Now, let’s be quite clear – if you’re looking for a pool in London to take a refreshing dip on a hot day, you’ve ended up in the wrong article. You can find our run-down of London’s best lidos and swimming pools here. But if you’re here to learn about a bit of London’s culinary history, you’re in the right place. That’s because over in this corner of the Secret London website, we’re diving into the history of Chinatown’s oldest restaurant, Lido. (Which might also be the oldest Chinese restaurant in the whole city!)
Lido opened its doors all the way back in 1969. Now, that doesn’t sound like all that long ago, until you do the maths and realise that was 56 years ago! As the city and Chinatown have changed around the restaurant, it’s remained largely the same.
The restaurant serves a fairly comprehensive menu of Cantonese dishes, ranging from dim sum to a variety of Chinese dishes that cater to all palates and tastes. But that’s not to say that the food is at all boring. While many of the dishes are pretty standard for a Chinese restaurant, adventurous eaters will want to check out the menu’s selection of Specials. Here you’ll find more regional and traditional dishes, keeping history and tradition alive in Chinatown.
While it’s surrounded by all manner of fancy spots with prices higher than London’s skyscrapers, Lido keeps things on the cheaper side. Dishes start at just £5, with plenty of options across the spectrum of affordability. And if you’re not sure what to get, they’re on hand to help with a variety of set menus and sharing options that take the guesswork out of ordering.
How has Lido stuck around for so long?
To still be serving after over 50 years in London is truly impressive. Especially given Lido’s location in the heart of one of London’s most popular foodie areas. So what’s the secret? And how have they been able to stay open so long?
The wide-ranging menu helps, ensuring that everyone can find something to eat. And its relative affordability in what is so often an unaffordable city doesn’t hurt.
Plus, in a food scene like London’s (and the microcosm that is the Chinatown food scene) – which is constantly shifting and changing – Lido has remained consistent and steadfast with their offering. Old fans keep returning as new visitors fall in love and bring their friends to experience the restaurant.
Having said that, the exterior has gone through a few different iterations. Here’s how Lido looked in 2010:
All that to say, Lido does what it does well without any fuss or fanfare. And sometimes, that’s all we Londoners want. So, next time you’re wandering through Chinatown, be sure not to walk past the unassuming exterior and duck inside for a taste of history.
📍 You’ll find Lido at 41 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, W1D 5QF. The nearest station is Leicester Square.
