I enjoyed a gastronomic feast at the preview of Philip Chiang's new Restaurant P.F. Chang’s in the heart of London's West End. Founder, Philip Chiang has over 280 restaurants internationally, beginning in the early 60's with his mother Cecilia Chiang opening her first Chinese restaurant, the Mandarin. A decade later she opened another restaurant in Los Angeles where celebrities including John Lennon and Yoko Ono dined. Philip started running the restaurants as soon as he graduated from art school and he soon partnered with Paul Fleming with the opening of their first restaurant in Arizona. P.F. Chang has been launching all over the world ever since. This is Philip's first venture in the UK and he has brought the P.F. Chang’s Asian Table restaurant concept to the fashionable location of London's theatre district. Combining fresh Asian food with the most delectable cocktails, the 138 seat, all day restaurant and bar will be a must-go-to spot for everyone who enjoys affordable good food and a great atmosphere. 

Philip Chiang has a passion for music which rivals his love of cuisine. He is a fan of genres from jazz to indie, from Miles Davis to Radiohead. Philip even designed artwork covers for artists such as John Coltrane and The Four Tops in the 1970s alongside running his restaurants. It comes as no surprise why Philip has chosen this particular London venue as it is a former jazz club (Studio 51) where Eric Clapton played his first gig and the Rolling Stones started their rise to superstardom. It was also at this venue where John Lennon and Paul McCartney heard the Rolling Stones playing and offered them a song that would become their first British hit "I Wanna Be Your Man."

I had the pleasure of enjoying my lunch in his company and his enthusiasm for music, food and enjoying life is just infectious. London's P.F. Chang's has nods to Philip's music influence with the gold vinyl record lined bar and he told me he plans to curate his own playlist too. 

The food and drink are on another level, from the signature drink, Fizu, upon arrival (sparkling sake, cucumber and lemon oil), to my personal favourite, the Original Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Dynamite Shrimp. It is a little spicy, but maintains a perfect balance. I also had the zingy Orange Peel Lamb Chop. There is a great dessert selection for those with a sweet tooth like myself. The Gorgonzola Cheesecake is topped with sour cream and gorgonzola crumb which gives it a slight tang but is nicely balanced out with candied walnuts and a delicious mascarpone filled, port poached pear. Even the Taste of Asia ice cream plate is special with a selection of saffron and rose water, yoghurt and wasabi ripple, and coconut ash ice cream.

The bar is extensive and staff very knowledgable. As well as the Fizu, I sampled the Umeshu Cobbler (umeshu, maraschino, lemon, black cardamon) which is very refreshing and summery.

The open kitchen style gives it a real buzz. It's the ideal place for taking your family, going on a romantic date, having a few cocktails and nibbles with friends or a meal before the theatre or a night out on the town. With affordable prices in a luxe venue, it really ticks all the boxes. 

P.F. Chang's prides itself on sourcing locally and using real and whole ingredients. There is also an in-house bakery where delectable dumplings, wontons, and egg rolls will be made by professionals. As the restaurant is open all day you will be able to enjoy traditional brunch dishes with an Asian twist such as 'Everything Bao' (sliced smoked salmon and boiled egg nestled in a doughy honey lotus bun with a basil horseradish smear) and a decadent Lobster Benedict (toasted muffin topped with creamy herb lobster mix, poached egg and house-made hollandaise.) 

For the not so hungry and the starving, there will be a choice of smaller and bigger plates from lunch through to dinner. Why not try Mongolian Beef, a soy glazed flank steak wok seared with spring onions and garlic or perhaps the play on the British favourite with Fish and Lotus ‘Chips’, a crispy black cod dish with ginger, fermented black bean and a side of lotus chips.

our collaboration with UK street artist HOOD, who has created a mural over four metres high on the walls, flowing between the two floors. The essence of the restaurant and its decoration reflect not only my passions but also the location’s past as a jazz club where 

Combining our love of food and musical influences, BritznBeatz cannot wait to go again. And again. 

P.F. Chang'sopens on Friday, August 4th.