Chinese New Year 2017: Where to see in the year of the rooster

Now that the monkey business of 2016 is officially over, it’s time to ring in the year of the rooster. Leighanne Bent finds the four best places to celebrate Chinese New Year this month

Ring in 2017 with a delicious dim sum meal at Ping Pong in Covent Garden

We’re approaching mid-January, which means the time to wave bon voyage to the year of the monkey and welcome in the zodiac’s 11th animal, the rooster, is almost here. From traditional lion dances to special three-course meals and themed cocktails, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in London.


 The Chinese Cricket Club features a three-course feast 

Chinese New Year Feast and Lion Dance Troupe

Chinese Cricket Club’s New Year celebration might be happening one day ahead of schedule, but don’t let that put you off. Their £35 three-course feast is an absolute must with dishes like sesame jellyfish salad and pak choi with wild mushrooms starring on the menu. The venue’s executive chef, Ken Wang, put a real focus on the authentic characteristic of Sichuan pepper when bringing everything together; so, prepare your palate for some powerful flavours. Arrive here in plenty of time on the 27th – the theatrical lion dance starts at 7pm and it’s going to be one of the major highlights of the evening.


 Dim sum delights will be on the menu at Ping Pong in Covent Garden

Chinese New Year at Ping Pong

Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days in China and Ping Pong in Covent Garden have the same precious party plans in mind. They will have a range of entertainment and activities stretching from 28 January to 12 February, but venture down here on the 28th for entertainment from an elegant fan dancer between 6.30pm – 8.30pm and talented magicians from 7pm to 9pm. Fill yourself with the venue’s dim sum specials and, while you’re at it, wash everything down with their specially-themed Fire Rooster cocktail. It’s made with Bacardi Fuego, blood orange liqueur, yuzu and karma tea all shaken with a homemade spicy-vanilla syrup.


 From raw seafood to Shanghai wonton in chicken broth, Hutong boasts a four-course meal to ring in the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year at Hutong

Chinese New Year with a view? You’ll find it at Hutong. Perched on the 33rd floor of the Shard, head here on the 28th January for picturesque views of London’s skyline and a specially put together four-course meal. Each course promises to bring plenty of flavour to the table and you can expect a range of dishes to tickle your palate; from raw seafood salad with sweet plum sauce to Shanghai wonton in chicken broth. In honour of tradition, a lion dance will feature on the night to help ward off evil spirits. Keeping in with China’s lucky number, the menu will set you back £88.

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