China Tang at The Dorchester celebrated 20 years with a star-studded party featuring Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Princess Eugenie.
It’s hard to imagine London’s dining scene without China Tang at The Dorchester. For twenty years, the restaurant has been a fixture of Mayfair life, the sort of place where you might spot a film star at lunch or a royal at dinner, and where the service is so polished it feels effortless.
Last month, China Tang celebrated its 20th anniversary with a party that was every bit as glamorous as one would expect.
Held on the 18th of September, the evening brought together an extraordinary guest list. Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell led the charge, joined by fashion designer Jeremy Scott, who added his usual touch of energy and wit. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Princess Eugenie were also there, giving the night its royal edge.
Edward Enninful mingled with designer Bella Freud, while Betty Bachz, Max Hurd, Elizabeth Saltzman, Huishan Zhang, Kanika Kapoor, and Olivia Buckingham rounded off a crowd that perfectly reflected the restaurant’s reputation as a meeting point of style, culture, and society.
A Legacy That Still Resonates
China Tang was the brainchild of the late Sir David Tang, who opened it in 2005. His aim was simple enough: to bring the glamour of 1930s Shanghai to London, wrapped around authentic Cantonese cooking.
It was never just about the food, though the food was and remains exceptional. It was about atmosphere, about wit and warmth, and about creating a place that felt alive.
Sir David’s influence is still everywhere, in the way the staff move through the room, in the soft lighting, in the hum of conversation that seems to settle naturally into the rhythm of the place.
The anniversary celebration felt like a love letter to him and to everything he built. Two decades on, the restaurant remains as confident and distinctive as ever.
The Party
The Dorchester’s spaces were transformed for the night, with guests entering through a Park Lane entrance lined with red maple trees and glowing lanterns. It felt theatrical but never overdone, exactly what you’d expect from an establishment that knows its audience.
Designer florist Philip Hammond handled the flowers, filling the room with striking Ming-style vases and bold seasonal blooms. There was a playful use of neon lighting inspired by Hong Kong’s nightlife, which gave the whole thing a bit of edge, a reminder that China Tang has always managed to be both classic and current.
Traditional dim sum carts made their way around the room, serving delicate bites alongside displays of fruit that looked almost too perfect to touch. It was a detail that summed up the restaurant’s approach, where authenticity and precision is always beautifully presented.
Music and The Atmosphere
Dinner was set to the sound of a ten-piece band from Graham Dalby and the London Swing Orchestra, whose music gave the evening an easy elegance.
Later, DJ Sally K took over and turned the space into a dance floor, framed by a canopy of gold balloons that shimmered softly in the low light.
What began as a dinner soon became a celebration in full swing, glamorous, slightly chaotic, and great fun.
Looking Back and Ahead
Reflecting on the occasion, Nathalie Ford, VP Europe and Middle East for China Tang, said:
“Celebrating 20 years of China Tang honours not only Sir David’s remarkable legacy but also the generations of guests who have made our restaurant a cherished part of their lives. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to delivering the same understated glamour, timeless hospitality and genuine warmth he envisioned.”
Her words hit the mark. China Tang has never been about chasing trends. China Tang’s success lies in the details, the atmosphere, and the sense that every guest, whether a first-timer or a regular, is part of something special.
A Year of Progress
This has been a milestone year for the restaurant. The Dorchester location has seen a quiet refresh, carefully done to preserve its signature look while keeping things feeling current. There’s also been the introduction of bespoke uniforms by Huishan Zhang, whose designs mirror the restaurant’s understated sophistication.
The expansion of the China Tang name has also gathered pace. Earlier this year, the brand arrived in Dubai, introducing its signature mix of heritage and luxury to a new audience.
In London, Dim Sum by China Tang at Harrods has offered diners another way to experience its classic flavours in a more casual setting.
Still London’s Cultural Crossroads
Over the years, China Tang has become much more than a restaurant. It’s a place where different worlds meet, East and West, old and new, establishment and creative.
It remains one of those rare addresses that feels genuinely alive, a place where conversations and cultures mix naturally.
That is perhaps Sir David Tang’s greatest legacy: a restaurant that continues to bridge worlds while never losing sight of what matters most, hospitality, warmth, and a touch of humour.
The Future
Twenty years on, China Tang is as relevant as ever. The anniversary party wasn’t just a celebration of what’s been achieved but a statement of intent for what’s still to come.
With its loyal following, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to excellence, the restaurant shows no sign of slowing down.
In a city full of constant change, it remains a reassuring presence, elegant, confident, and entirely itself.
As the last of the gold balloons drifted to the floor that night, it was clear that China Tang’s story is far from over. If anything, it’s entering a new and exciting chapter.
