Lucky Cat By Gordon Ramsay - Bishopsgate Reviews

Okay, so you know how I’m always hunting down the next big thing in food? Well, I just got back from Lucky Cat, the new Gordon Ramsay joint in Bishopsgate, and let me tell you – it’s… something. Seriously, it’s a whole vibe. I’m still processing, honestly.

First Impressions: Neon and Noodles

First, the location. Bishopsgate is already buzzing, right? Then BAM – this giant, glowing lucky cat is just… there. It's incredibly Instagrammable, let’s be real. The interior is basically a Tokyo nightclub meets a really, really fancy ramen shop. Think exposed brick, lots of neon, and those ridiculously long communal tables. It’s loud. Like, genuinely loud. Are you ready for that?

They’ve gone brutally committed to the aesthetic. It’s not subtle. It's like Ramsay took all his favourite Japanese street food vibes and just… exploded them onto a London wall. And you know he doesn’t do subtle. He's a force of nature, that man.

The Menu: Don’t Overthink It

The menu is… compact. It's focused primarily on ramen, obviously, and a few smaller plates. There’s not a huge range of choices, which, honestly, I appreciated. Ramsay’s not one for overwhelming people with options, is he? He’s about quality, not quantity – a good principle, right?

They’ve got a few different ramen styles: Tonkotsu, Shoyu, Miso, and a spicy tantanmen. I went for the Shoyu, just to be safe – you know, play it smart. It was… good. Really good, actually. The broth was incredibly rich and flavourful. Definitely not your average takeaway ramen, that’s for sure.

My friend went for the tantanmen. She said it was fiery. I’m talking sweat-inducing, seriously spicy. She wasn’t entirely sure she liked it, which is completely fair. You have to be a certain kind of chilli-loving maniac to fully appreciate that level of heat, you know?

The Noodles - They're Seriously Good

Let’s talk about the noodles. These weren’t just any noodles, people. These were clearly hand-made, perfectly cooked, and unbelievably bouncy. They had this amazing chewiness that just… delighted my tastebuds. I swear, they were singing a little noodle song.

Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, 22 Bishopsgate - Review | The Capturist

The toppings were fresh and plentiful. Think perfectly cooked chashu pork, marinated soft-boiled eggs, scallions, nori seaweed – the whole shebang. It felt like a proper, delicious ramen experience. Forget the soggy noodles and sad little toppings you often get elsewhere. This was the real deal.

The Details: Service and Price

The service was… intense. Ramsay's standards, I guess. The staff were incredibly attentive, bordering on a little overwhelming. They were constantly checking on us, refilling water, and hovering – it felt a bit much at times, if I'm honest.

Now, let's talk money. This isn’t a cheap meal. The ramen bowls are around £20-£25. It’s definitely a special occasion kind of place. But, honestly? I think it’s worth it for the quality. You're paying for the ingredients, the skill, and the sheer theatre of the whole experience.

What About the Other Plates?

We also shared a few of the small plates. The karaage (Japanese fried chicken) was surprisingly good - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. The gyoza (dumplings) were decent, but nothing spectacular. They were fine, you know? Just… fine.

Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, 22 Bishopsgate - Review | The Capturist

The real star of the small plates was the edamame. Seriously, perfectly cooked edamame, salted just right. Little moments of deliciousness amidst all the noodle chaos. It’s the details, people, the details!

Final Verdict: Go for the Ramen, Embrace the Chaos

So, would I recommend Lucky Cat? Absolutely. But with a massive caveat. Go for the ramen. Seriously, just order the ramen. Don't overthink it. And prepare yourself for a sensory overload. It's loud, it's bright, and it's unapologetically Ramsay.

It’s not fine dining in the traditional sense. It's more like a high-energy, incredibly delicious ramen adventure. It's a bit of a spectacle, and that’s part of the fun. Just go with the flow, don’t expect a quiet evening, and you’ll probably have a pretty great time. Don't forget to snap a photo with the lucky cat!

Seriously though, go. Just... go. You won’t regret it – or you will, depending on your tolerance for bright lights and enthusiastic staff. Let me know what you think if you try it!