The New China Club was established on the strength of a vision to bring a slice of authentic China into the heart of London, but this is more than just a place for those who dream of dragons of Chinese food. Spread over two floors, the club is home to Snazz Sichuan restaurant, a Chinese tea house, an art gallery and an exclusive members-only basement area.

Sichuan cooking owes much to the liberal use of chilli and pepper, so spike your appetite with plates of sweet and sour spare ribs, white-braised pork in hot and garlicky sauce, or special cooked pomfret with scallions. Then it could be simmered lobster with noodles in special casserole or fish head stew in an earthen pot, followed by some amusing named dishes like fish-fragrant pork slivers, fragrant and spicy duck tongue and fire-exploded beef tripe. After a fiery, feisty meal it's time to cool off with a toffee banana or apple and crispy coconut.