Spice Temple

A darkly handsome space of low-slung lanterns, sleek black furniture and portraits by local photographer Earl Carter, Neil Perry's dining room seduces the moment you walk through the door. Sassy staff glide through the Sino-chic space, delivering cocktails inspired by the Chinese zodiac (the Rabbit of gin, jasmine tea and salted cucumber is a standout), along with helpful advice - yes, you can order a small serve of that knockout 'numbing pork' with Sichuan pepper. Perhaps the best advice that can be shared, however, is to pre-order the tea-smoked duck. Given 24 hours' notice, the kitchen team can conjure up a platter of plump, smoky duck breast and thigh, lacquered with soy and served with Peking pancakes. Heat fiends should seek out the dishes marked in red, including prawn dumplings with black vinegar, and a jumble of egg noodles with bacon and chilli. For more delicate tastes, opt for the asparagus with salted duck egg. Put out any lingering fires with a watermelon granita, or the soothing milk cake scattered with nubs of pomegranate.