Our Review Of Noodle And Beer: Big Bowls And Bold Flavours In The Heart Of Chinatown

Nowhere in London excites me quite like Soho. It takes me back to my first ‘big girl job’ off Regent Street — when post-work Fridays began in a packed West End pub and ended deep in Soho in search of dinner and sometimes a dance floor. So when I heard that the team behind Noodle and Beer have brought their much loved, you guessed it, noodles and beer from Bell Street in East London to a second site slap-bang in the middle of Soho, I couldn't wait to check it out and see how the restaurant compares to some of its well-known Chinatown neighbours. 

Sultry interiors of Noodle and Beer's new Chinatown restaurant. 

DesignMyNight Reviews Noodle and Beer

With its cafe-style curtains and pendant lights, from the outside, you could be excused for mistaking the restaurant for a charming Parisian bistro. Inside, the simple setting is enhanced by fun modern touches in the form of wall-to-ceiling mirrors and scenic Chinese artworks. Those wanting a view of the action can dine on counter seating overlooking the bar and bustling kitchen, otherwise, guests can relax in a comfy booth or window side table.

Not stopping here, my dinner date and I were ushered down a small staircase into a hidden basement bar and dining area offering a very different feng shui. Juxtaposing the white walls and panelled ceiling of the upstairs, we were seduced by the rouge walls, mirrored ceiling, and intimate mood lighting. Down here, the restaurants 4am food license (Thursday to Saturday) instantly made sense. Knowing the feeling all too well, this space is the perfect refuge for the late-night Soho crowd who need to refuel but don’t want the night to end.

Settled into our red velvet chairs, the thought of beer left my mind as I eyed up the backlit cocktail bar. To start, we ordered an Espresso Martini (£12.50) and Lush Desir (£13.80). The sweet raspberry and jasmine liqueurs in the latter signature cocktail blended with the creamy milk top, making it an easy tipple to enjoy as we deliberated over the broad menu.

Big bowls of spicy noodles are the main event on the Noodle and Beer menu, and the cocktails aren't bad too.

At the heart of many Noodle and Beer dishes is spice and, not one's to shy away from a challenge, on the waiter's recommendation we ordered the Choo-Shou (£8.80) Sichaun dumplings with minced chicken and lotus root filling. We gave the dish a vigorous stir to rouse the fiery chilli base. It was intense but the heat didn’t overpower the juicy chicken filling and was complemented by the peanut and scallion garnishes.

One dish in particular features heavily when looking up Noodle and Beer on social media so I was excited to see if the Super King Braised Beef Rib with Blanket Noodles (£19.80) lived up to the Instagram hype. We were surprised to see the waiter approach us with a huge bowl in one hand and scissors in the other. All made slightly more sense when he started cutting the beef. The tender meat needed little encouragement as it fell effortlessly away from the bone. The taste was sensational as the well-seasoned beef paired perfectly with the soft chewy texture of the wide noodles. Big in size and flavour, this dish was not only the highlight of the meal, but one of the best noodle dishes I’ve tried. With beer as their namesake, we ordered two pints of Kirin Ichiban (£8.20 each) to enjoy alongside. Crisp and easily drinkable, this Japanese beer was the ideal match for the rich, meaty dish.

I don’t usually end a meal without a dessert but having been satisfyingly defeated by the generous portions, as we blended back into the Wardour Street crowds, I knew back in my Soho heyday, this vibrant restaurant would’ve been a firm favourite on our Friday night hitlist.

Overall: Noodle and Beer

Despite the simple name, do not underestimate Noodle and Beer. Inspired by the lively social energy and the rich seasonings loved by the locals of the Sichuan region, the menu boasts an eclectic mix of halal-friendly, Chinese dishes centered around spice and robust flavours. With the modern bistro style upstairs and provocatively decorated downstairs, whether on a date or a group of friends looking for somewhere to start (or end) your night, this restaurant offers something for all.