Harden's survey result
Summary
“Course after course of utter deliciousness!” – comprised of “Chinese tapas that never ceases to impress” – has won renown for this Pimlico veteran, whose “very different 18-course tasting menu is tailored in terms of spiciness and dietary preferences” in discussion with the staff. It’s a formula that’s served the Peng family well for over 40 years (although their personal service is not quite as intrinsic to a visit as once it was). “As other authentic Chinese cuisine has become available across London”, it is perhaps no longer the leading destination it once was, although all diners feel “the food deserves its excellent reputation”. “The venue does not create much in the way of ambience” however and it is often noted in feedback that a meal here has become “very expensive now”. Top Tip – “don’t eat all day before you go”.
Summary
“Just say what you want and it keeps coming until you say ‘stop!’” at this acclaimed, family-run veteran in Pimlico (founded in 1982), where, according to your preferences, Mr Peng orchestrates the ensuing “Chinese tapas-style” banquet. Many reporters “have been going for years, yet still find new dishes”. And despite the odd concern this year about “staff turnover” and a slight “loss of touch”, most are wowed “time after time” by the “amazing” results (“crazily good fun, if you go with an open mind”). “Talk to the owner about the wines too: he knows a lot and is very enthusiastic”.
Summary
“Tell Mr Peng what you don’t eat or like, and the courses will continue to come until you say ‘no thank you’”, at this family-run Pimlico veteran (founded in 1982), which has long been one of the best Chinese restaurants in London and continues to “nail it every time”. “There’s no menu” – they will just ask what kind of food you like, then “bring you a string of delicious little courses”; and “if you are into adventurous Chinese cuisine then it’s a magical experience, with superb dishes such as the spicy venison”. Service is discreet and the wine list is “exceptionally good and should cover any palate.”
Summary
“Be adventurous! There’s no menu but Mr Peng selects a fantastic array of dishes for you” at this Pimlico veteran (founded in 1982), which is still often acclaimed as “the best Chinese in London, bar none”. “It looks ordinary from the outside (and is nothing special on the crowded inside either!)”, but still diners “love the place” and the “entertaining” manner in which Mr P “treats you to a slew of scrumptious Chinese tapas of his choice, with some truly exceptional flavours… until you say you have had enough”. “The wine choices are excellent too”. All that said though, ratings here took a dip this year, dragged down by a small-but-vocal minority who feel the cooking risks losing some of its edge: “still love it, but the selection can be a little samey, albeit very nicely done”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Hunan?
51 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £60.80 |  |
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| Dinner | £98.80 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main |
|---|---|
| £1.00 | £80.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £50.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 13.00% |
51 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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