GOURMET SAN, BETHNAL GREEN, LONDON

This gritty East-End location is a must for Szechuan fans. It had the biggest menu I have ever seen. I whittled it down to a handful of dishes including this hot sizzling spicy beef which fed 5 of us. A lovely flavour, the meat came away from the bone and was so tender. There is something for everyone here, good luck reading the bill which was written in Chinese.

SHANGHAI, DALSTON, LONDON

Happy hour dim sum with jasmine tea can't be bad. Especially when they are as fresh and delicious as these. Try the scallop & spinach dumplings. A firm weekend favourite. I visit time and time again.