Chinese New Year will be in full swing in London as we celebrate the year of the dragon. 2024’s Lunar New Year falls on Saturday 10th February and London will be sure to host some huge celebrations. London is home to the largest China Town outside of Asia so you can image the sheer force of the celebrations.

Whether you want to celebrate by getting immersed int he Chinese culture, tasting the foods, relaxing or taking part in one of the larger celebrations we have something to fit everyone’s style.

Chinese New Year: Saturday 10th February

Year of: The dragon

Things to do in London for Chinese New Year

China Town

London is home to largest China Town outside of Asia itself. The town spams trough several streets of London’s West End and is jam packed full of restaurants, supermarkets, ornamental gates and traditional lanterns hanging overhead.

Chinese New Year is an action packed time for China Town. It is the area where the parade kicks off and ends as well as hosting street martial arts shows, traditionally dressed people ad special set menu’s served by the restaurants.

There are no shortages of restaurants in China Town London all serving authentic Chinese food. Some restaurants offer an all you can eat buffet whilst others serve a la carte or even a set menu. Several places serve street food to eat as you walk and there are many options for sweet treats including ice cream, waffles and much more.

The best things to do in China Town

Shopping

There are two main Chinese supermarkets in China Town New Loon Moo and SeeWoo giving you the opportunity to purchase Chinese foods to cook at home including meats, fish, vegetables and dried foods.

Drinking

China Town is home to a few pub like venues and cocktail bars. Most restaurants also serve alcohol and Chinese beers and wine are often on the menu also.

Top bars include;

Experimental Cocktail club – Set in a traditional town house in the middle of China Town this up market cocktail club is an escape from the madness of China Town.

Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour – You will be lucky to find this location in London’s China Town as it is nestled behind a secret door again in a London town house.

The Light Lounge – Located in China Town and giving a sophisticated break from the hustle and bustle below.

Eating

China Town is obviously famed for it’s excellent authentic take on Chinese food in London. We have tried and tasted some of the best restaurants, street food eats and sweet parlours to bring you the best foods.

Olle – A traditional Korean barbecue restaurant where you can grill your meats on top of your table on a Korean barbecue.

London China Town Restaurant – This is about authentic as it comes with roasted crispy ducks hanging in the window and an array of other traditional dishes.

Four Seasons – The duck es the speciality here and rightly so, its delicious.

Joy Luck Restaurant – Enjoy your food buffet style and eat all that you can. Be careful not to waste any though they will charge you by the wastage.

Bubblewrap Waffle – Enjoy a Hong Kong inspired bubble wrap waffles filled with ice cream and your choice of toppings.

Golden Dragon – Nominated to be home to the best Dim Sum in London. Do not miss this.

Shu Xiangge – Eat to your hearts content of hot pots and broths here.

Dine in a floating Chinese Restaurant

London is home to 2 Chinese Floating restaurants. This is an idyllic way to see in the Chinese New Year whilst tasting some delicious Chinese food.

Lotus Chinese Restaurant

This restaurant is conveniently located on the London Docklands with excellent views of the East London sky line and down the Thames. The restaurant has a traditional Chinese vibe and the 2 story boat is permanently docked here.

Feng Shang Princess Floating Restaurant

The Feng Shang Princess Floating Restaurant is peacefully located in Regents Park with a back drop of the green back waters. The boat itself is truly breathtaking and gives off a very authentic Chinese vibe.

Source: Trip advisor

Visit one of London’s Pergoda

Some parks in London are graced with a Chinese or Japanese Pergoda and they make for the perfect outdoor walk around the time of Chinese New Year. Get outdoors and take a stroll over to our favourites;

Victoria Park Pergoda

Nestled inside Mile End’s Victoria Park is a traditional Chinese Pergola. The Pergoda originally called Hyde Park before being moved to it’s permanent home in Victoria Park. Take in the views of the Pagoda with a back drop of the city on London from one side and a traditional Chinese bridge and lake from the other side.

The Love Peace Pergoda

The Love Peace Pergoda is located in Battersea Park and is a traditional Buddist pergoda. The space in Battersea Park was placed there to bring peace to visitors in the busy city of London.

Source: Time Out

Kew Garden’s Pergoda

The garden’s in Kew are home to a traditional Japanese Pergoda. The pergoda opens to the public in the summer months and guests can walk to the top for views over the gardens and also into London. In the winter months and the times close to Chinese New Year you are able to admire the view of the Pergoda from the Kew botanical gardens.

Source: Kew

Chinese New Year Parade

Every year London hosts a huge Chinese New Year Parade that parades around the West End. The parade graces the likes of China Town, Leicester Square and surrounding routes to Trafalgar Square. This year is the year of the rat and I am sure huge rats will be parading the streets along side the Chinese dragons and various other animals.

Date: The parade is held on Sunday 26th January 2020

Source: Visit London

Design my nights – Dinner Ladies

After a successful past few years Dinner Ladies is re-opening it’s doors for another Chinese New Year Feast. Book tickets and feast on traditional foods and cocktails.

This can be booked here.

There are so many fantastic and authentic ways to spend Chinese New Year in London and we look foreword to filling ourselves up on Dim Sum and noodles!