Celebrate Chinese New Year with these great bottles of wine

Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, an auspicious time in the Chinese Lunar calendar. For the next fifteen days, people all over the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year with vibrant festivities and traditions. And in London, a city known for its diversity and love for celebrations, the hospitality scene is going all out to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. It is a time to gather with loved ones, feast on delicious food, and wish for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. And in London, the celebrations are no different. The city is adorned with red lanterns, a symbol of good fortune, and the streets are filled with the sounds of firecrackers and dragon dances.

One of the most iconic Chinese restaurants in London, Hakkasan, is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Known for its modern take on traditional Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan is offering a special menu featuring dishes that represent luck, prosperity, and good health. From the crispy duck salad, symbolizing unity and togetherness, to the steamed sea bass, representing abundance and prosperity, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to bring good fortune in the new year.

But it’s not just about the food at Hakkasan, the restaurant has also transformed its interiors to reflect the festive spirit. The walls are adorned with red and gold decorations, and the tables are set with red tablecloths and gold cutlery. And let’s not forget the traditional lion dance performance, which is said to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s an experience that will transport you to the streets of China and leave you feeling lucky and blessed.

Another restaurant that is embracing the Chinese New Year celebrations is Yauatcha, known for its exquisite dim sum and patisserie. This year, Yauatcha has created a special menu featuring dishes that represent the five elements of Chinese philosophy – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each dish is carefully crafted to balance these elements and bring harmony and prosperity in the new year. And for those with a sweet tooth, Yauatcha’s patisserie has created a limited edition dessert, the Firecracker Macaron, a perfect blend of sweetness and spice to kick off the Year of the Fire Horse.

But the celebrations don’t stop at just restaurants. London’s bars and hotels are also getting in on the action. The iconic Ritz London is hosting a Chinese New Year afternoon tea, featuring traditional Chinese delicacies such as prawn dumplings and steamed buns, alongside classic English scones and sandwiches. And for those looking for a unique experience, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering a Chinese New Year themed spa treatment, using traditional Chinese herbs and techniques to rejuvenate and bring good luck in the new year.

The Chinese New Year celebrations in London are not just limited to food and drinks. The city’s museums and galleries are also hosting events and exhibitions to mark the occasion. The Victoria and Albert Museum is hosting a Chinese New Year late night event, featuring live music, dance performances, and traditional Chinese crafts. And the National Gallery is showcasing a special exhibition, “The Year of the Fire Horse”, featuring artworks inspired by the Chinese zodiac.

The Chinese New Year celebrations in London are a testament to the city’s diversity and its love for festivities. It’s a time to come together, forget our differences, and celebrate the start of a new year with hope and optimism. So, whether you’re a Chinese expat missing home or someone looking to experience a different culture, London’s hospitality scene has something for everyone this Chinese New Year. So, put on your red outfit, grab a lantern, and join in the celebrations. Gong Xi Fa Cai!