Centuries ago merchants on the famed Silk Route would stop at tea houses to relax and share dim sums with their fellow travellers; years later Ping Pong opened its doors and certainly nailed on to this idea, except may be adding a bit of cocktail on the menu. Now with 12 outlets in London, things have changed further and offer more than a touch of innovation, whether it's a decorative feature like steam billowing gently against a black background or marking your choice of dishes on the tally sheet.

Nibble on some coriander and prawn crackers, or Sichuan peanuts and honey almonds before choosing from a selection of steamed dumplings like pork shu mai, pork and king prawns in an open pastry topped with Chinese wolfberry. Their signature dishes of honey glazed ribs and squid in satay sauce are also executed with ample flair. Desserts of Valrhona chocolate bun and lemongrass and passion fruit syllabub mark the end of a delectable meal at Ping Pong.