Life must seem like a constant rollercoaster ride for Mr. Alan Yau, born in 1962 to Hong Kong Chinese parents. What do Hakkasan, Yautcha, Busaba Eathai, Wagamama, Duck and Rice and Park Chinois have in common? They’re all inspired by the flavours of the East and they were all opened by Alan Yau. When Hakkasan first opened back in 2001 down a dingy alley behind Tottenham Court Road, the courage to do so must have been enormous when chicken chow mein and sweet and sour chicken reigned supreme in the national consciousness. Arguably, its arrival was the pivotal moment the status of Chinese food in Britain was upgraded. Famously reserved and camera shy, Yau’s modest and unassuming demeanour belies his position in the upper echelons of London’s dining scene. 2020 looks set to be another blockbuster year for Yau.

Opening at Wardian London, a residential development overlooking South Dock and situated adjacent to Canary Wharf, two Asian-style restaurants are planned for Summer 2020. Everything is hush hush at the moment but from what’s been revealed, the larger of the two restaurants will be named Chyna, a destination restaurant with 130 covers, a large terrace overlooking the water and private dining area. Fresh fish and seafood will feature prominently on the menu, with a wet market and fish tank being the focal point in the restaurant.

The second restaurant, Yau Grilling, will offer more of a casual setting and serve food all day, with traditional breakfasts from 7:30am and beef, lobster, king crab, along with other grilled delicacies in the evenings.

EcoWorld Ballymore is the developer behind the two residential buildings, and if its transformation of the once no-go area of Nine Elms by Battersea is anything to go by, the residential complexes should not disappoint. Specialising in ultra-luxury homes with an emphasis on design, the grand development will crucially feature a green, botanically inspired oasis.

Eastern flavours meet East London. Right now, it seems E14 is the place to be.