3 Gorges

There’s an interesting article by James McAllister in a recent edition of Restaurant Magazine that suggests Chinese restaurants are in serious decline in the UK.

It states that, according to data, the amount of Chinese food eaten by the average person in Britain outside of the home has more than halved in recent years.

This data is recorded between 2007 and 2023.

And, just a few weeks ago, one of the most famous Anglo-Cantonese restaurants of all, Hakkasan on Hanway Place in London, closed its doors for the last time.

For those of us who enjoy our Dim Sum and shredded duck, it’s not all bad news.

There are still new Chinese restaurants opening, but not quite as many as before.

One such newcomer has opened on Goodge Street in central London (not far from the former site of Hakkasan, off Tottenham Court Road) and whilst the interior décor is slightly underwhelming, the quality of the food more than makes up for it.

3 Gorges is an eighty cover, three floor, modern, Cantonese restaurant.

The venue features a ground floor bar and restaurant, a selection of lower ground floor private dining rooms and a continuation of the restaurant on the first floor.

The ground floor dining room takes its inspiration from the glamour of 1920’s Shanghai.

It features marble style tiles imported from China, soft blue black painted panelled walls, framed Chinese scrolls, chandeliers, art deco mirrors, fully tiled floors and ornate wall lamps.

The marble topped bar, again panelled and painted in soft blue black, and handpicked pieces of art deco furniture all add to an overall pleasing aesthetic.

The restaurant is owned by Miss Li Zhang, founder of Sichuan-inspired Sanxia Renjia.  Sanxia Renjia has branches in Fitzrovia, Bromley and Kingston.

Chef Qian, one of London’s best regarded Cantonese chefs is at the helm of the kitchen.

Qian was Head Chef at Gouqi on Cockspur Street, prior to that Head Chef at Sino in Virginia Water, Development Chef for Hai Di Lao Group and helped launch MiMi Mayfair.

Prior to that Qian spent 10 years honing his skills at Hakkasan Group working his way up the ladder at their flagship London restaurants.

Hailing from Jiangsu, Chef Qian is London’s only high-end Head Chef born and bred in mainland China.

The launch menu includes several sharing set menu offerings and a comprehensive al a carte section.

Classic cocktails are a feature at 3 Gorges and Martinis, Negronis and Champagne cocktails are made with great skill.

There is a short list of premium whiskies for sipping after dinner, not something you’d expect to find in your typical Chinese restaurant.

There’s also a wide selection of reasonably priced wines, mostly under £60.

But the star of the show is the food.

The food at 3 Gorges is beautifully crafted and delicious and some of the dishes will take you back to Hakkasan in its heyday.

Chef Qian has become a master of his craft and for that reason we highly recommend a visit to 3 Gorges.