Alan Yau, one of the UK’s most revered and influential restaurateurs, is believed to have picked Duck & Rice as the name for the new Chinese gastro pub, which he will open on the former Endurance pub site in Soho’s Berwick Street, early next year, M&C Report understands.
Yau has set up a new company Duck & Rice Ltd to oversee the new venture, which includes former Hakkasan and Chrysan associate Balbir Thind as a director.
The 4,500sq ft pub is currently closed to undergo a complete refurbishment, but is thought will include a dining room area on the first floor.
Yau launched Wagamama in 1992 and has opened a number of other well-known restaurants including Hakkasan and Yauatcha.
Earlier this year, he acquired the Automat American Brasserie site in London’s Mayfair with a Busaba Eathai/Naamyaa type concept mooted for the ground floor and an upscale Chinese restaurant for the basement.
