Lucky Cat
London, United Kingdom · City of London
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Lucky Cat
Perched on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, Lucky Cat delivers Gordon Ramsay's high-octane take on Pan-Asian dining with sweeping 360-degree views of London's skyline. Chef Michael Howells, who honed his craft at Le Caprice, Fera at Claridge's, and Sexy Fish, orchestrates a bold menu of Asian-inspired small plates built around a raw bar, robata grill, and a kitchen that runs late into the night. The atmosphere skews lively and luxe, with a chef's table for those who want front-row seats to the action. This is destination dining for those who want theatrical surroundings and vibrant flavors in equal measure.
Good to know
Book a window table well in advance and request a spot facing London Bridge for the most dramatic vista—the views are the co-star here, so don't settle for a seat in the dining room's interior.
The chef
Michael Howells
Michael Howells brings a serious pedigree to Lucky Cat's Pan-Asian program, having cut his teeth at Le Caprice before moving through the kitchens of Fera at Claridge's under Simon Rogan, then on to Sexy Fish and J Sheekey. His training across modern European and seafood-focused venues gives him a technical foundation that translates well to the precision required for raw bar work and robata grilling. At Lucky Cat, he balances bold, umami-forward flavors with the kind of polished execution that comes from years in high-profile London kitchens. His approach leans into spectacle and flavor intensity, fitting for a restaurant where the setting demands food that can hold its own.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The kitchen leans hard into umami-rich preparations—think mushroom tempura with black garlic emulsion, yellowtail tartare, and Gordon's fried chicken that regulars cite as a must-order. The raw bar delivers pristine sushi and sashimi, while the egg fried rice has earned a devoted following for its depth of flavor. Portions run small-plate style, and while some find the sauces occasionally heavy-handed, the execution shows serious technique from a chef who knows how to work heat and acid.
Vibe
FestiveThe energy is upbeat and buzzy, with music that leans into the late-night vibe and a crowd that skews City professionals and special-occasion diners drawn by the dramatic setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline, and the dining room itself feels like a sleek, cat-themed lair with bold design flourishes. Expect a soundtrack and atmosphere that favor celebration over quiet conversation.
Service
The brigade operates with polish, offering the kind of attentive, professional hospitality you'd expect from a Ramsay flagship—staff are well-versed in the menu and generous with recommendations. Service can feel particularly tuned-in when the dining room isn't slammed, with team members who understand pacing and are quick to course-correct when needed. The coat check and reception set the tone from arrival, signaling that this is meant to be a full evening experience.
Setting
You ascend via dedicated lifts to the 60th floor, where the restaurant commands views that stretch from London Bridge to the western horizon—feel your ears pop on the way up. The interior design leans into moody, upscale Asian-inspired aesthetics with a feline motif woven throughout, and there's even a private viewing platform above the public one on the 58th floor. The bar is a destination in itself, with mixologists deploying ultrasonic techniques and a winter cocktail menu that's worth arriving early for.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- The unbeatable 60th-floor views and theatrical arrival experience
- Late-night dining with serious technique and a lively, upscale atmosphere
- Signature dishes like the mushroom tempura, Gordon's fried chicken, and egg fried rice
Don't go for
- An intimate, quiet dinner—the energy here is high and the soundtrack runs loud
- Budget-conscious dining, as small plates add up quickly and portions are designed for sharing
Details
22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ, UK
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