Mao Tai Restaurant, Parsons Green, London – Reopens

The rebirth of Mao Tai Restaurant and Bar brings a new energy to this popular Parsons Green local.

In April 2007, a fire completely destroyed the kitchen and part of the restaurant’s décor. The dramatic incident, however, was only a minor set back for restaurateurs Mark and Patricia Barnett, who re-launched the restaurant with not only a major cultural revolution in its cuisine concept, but also a radical change in its interior design.

“Mao Tai has always been busy and popular” explains owner Mark Barnett, “however the previous kitchen layout had restricted the direction Patricia and I wanted to take. We are both enthusiasts of South East Asian cuisine and wanted to include so much more on the menu. After the unfortunate fire incident, we decided to capitalise on the chance to remodel and refurbished the kitchen to our specific needs. This enabled us to realise our ambition”.

Uniquely, the Mao Tai kitchen requires no head chef; its main direction is with a focus on regional expertise. Each team member specialises in his own regional dishes and techniques, resulting in a menu that truly represents the rich dichotomy that is the cuisine of South East Asia. Dishes like Mooli, Mint & Prawn Fresh Vietnamese Rolls, followed by fish and meat like Surf Clams, Chilli & Chinese Sausage or Sirloin Tobanyaki with Mushrooms. In addition to this, Mao Tai uses a mixture of specialist ingredients imported direct from SE Asia combined with seafood from UK waters, organic salmon and supplies of Aberdeen Angus beef.

In the main restaurant, dark wood, soft lighting and modern art work all combine to create a warm yet inviting atmosphere that remains fresh and contemporary. In contrast to the ambiance of the main restaurant, the theatrically lit and freshly designed Cocktail Bar offers a fabulous array of both traditional and signature cocktails – Lemon Grass & Chilli Martini and of course the most popular with the local clientele – the Mao Tai Caipirinha. Numerous wines, champagnes and a selection of accompanying Dim Sum and SE Asian inspired bar food are also available.

As well as the main dining area, Mao Tai comprises a separate Private Dining Room that can accommodate 28 guests.

Mao Tai Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 18.00 to 23.30. The Cocktail Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 17.00 to 01.00.

For further information or to reserve a table, contact the front of house team on 020 7731 2520 or online at www.maotai.co.uk