Andrew Wong, chef behind two Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant A Wong, and Dishoom co-founder Amar Radia are joining forces to open a new gastropub in London. Called Kong, the venue will be a 'Chinese public house' in Shoreditch, taking over the former site of The Water Poet, which closed in 2019 due to redevelopment.
What to expect at Kong
The menu remains under wraps, but the team has hinted at 'dumplings at dawn, noodles at lunch, grills with a cold pint at dusk'. The concept pays homage to the history of Chinese communities in the East End, which housed London's original Chinatown from the 18th to mid-20th century. Kong will be located in the Nolton Folgate development in Spitalfields.
Opening timeline
An exact opening date has not been announced, but the developer's website indicates an autumn arrival. Updates are available via the Kong Instagram page.
Quotes from the founders
Andrew Wong said: 'Kong is a Chinese kitchen reflecting our personality, shaped by London, the East End, China, and A Wong. Untraditional, instinctive, fearless, all-day cooking.' Amar Radia added: 'The grand east London pub and the Chinese kitchen have been part of London for over two hundred years. Kong honours that history while writing the next chapter – a Chinese Public House with a warm, wide welcome.'
