Xu — London, UK

When the Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949, they took their culinary traditions (as well as China’s greatest treasures) along with them. Drawn from every corner of the Mainland, the glorious gallimaufry they created is what makes Taiwan one of Asia’s greatest culinary destinations.
Now, Shing Tat Chung, Wai Ting Chung and Erchen Chang, the entrepreneurs behind London’s Bao, are expanding their mission to champion Taiwan with Xu, a restaurant and cocktail bar with a dedicated tea bar and master to teach Londoners to appreciate a better brew.
Bringing much-needed sophistication to Rupert Street, its design and concept signals the young trio’s growing maturity and so to showcase the menu of Xiao Tsai titbits like smoked Taiwanese sausage and pan-fried dumplings, and mains like Sho Pa chicken and Lu Wei-style braised meats, the sleek minimalism of Bao has been traded for a 1930’s vibe. Created by BradyWilliams, the studio behind the period glamour of Fischer’s and the Wright Brothers, Xu’s panorama of glossy dark wood paneling, sea green upholstery and wooden ceiling fans channels Love in a Fallen City, while the intimate, blush-pink marble of its formal dining bar and ethereal shan sui landscapes add elegance to the lush, cinematic atmosphere.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
30 Rupert St
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Middle East Editor
-
A contemporary Swiss chalet combines tradition and modernity, all with a breathtaking view
A modern take on the classic chalet in Switzerland, designed by Montalba Architects, mixes local craft with classic midcentury pieces in a refined design inside and out
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Cartier dials up the glamour at Watches and Wonders 2025
Cartier revamps much-loved watch collections, from Privé and Panthère to Tank and Tressage, upping the sparkle at the watch fair in Geneva
By Thor Svaboe Published
-
Patek Philippe brings 15 new timepieces to Watches and Wonders 2025
The Swiss manufacturer showcases its intricate complications and elegant designs at the annual trade show with a suite of new models
By Anna Solomon Published
-
For a taste of Greece, head to this playful new restaurant in London’s Chelsea
Pachamama Group’s latest venture, Bottarga, dishes up taverna flavours in an edgy bistro-style setting
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
A buzzy Korean pop-up becomes a permanent fixture in East London
Chef Joo Won has turned his Calong pop-up permanent in the arty enclave of Stoke Newington
By Ben McCormack Published
-
New London restaurant Alba is a sun-soaked affair
Its name meaning ‘sunrise’ in Italian, Alba is a new Amalfi-inspired restaurant set to shine in Knightsbridge
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Now boarding Air Anya: Anya Hindmarch’s ode to aviation’s golden age
Anya Hindmarch’s new London concept store and travel accessories collection celebrate the glamour of 1970s air travel
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
‘A place for carnivores’ – Ibai is a London restaurant that celebrates Basque Country beef
A Clerkenwell restaurant where unhurried steak is the star of the show
By Lisa Wright Published
-
La Môme London finds its home at The Berkeley hotel
All the razzle-dazzle of Cannes and Monte Carlo is wrapped up in this one fabulous dining room and terrace in London
By Ben McCormack Published
-
The new dawn of the London sandwich shop
The appeal of a quick meal between two slices of bread has long held sway in the UK. We look back on the rise of the sandwich shop and explore the new wave of London venues that are making it a more stylised experience
By Toyo Odetunde Published
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
There’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz Published