Melbourne celebrities and socialites attended the much-anticipated opening of ‘Old Beijing’ at QV Melbourne on Thursday 29th April, where a traditional dragon along with dancers and Chinese drumming greeted guests to share in the joy of our cities newest and largest Australian/Chinese restaurant.
As we entered this wondrous venue with close to 500 guests, Beijing Bellini’s were sipped on and signature Peking duck pancakes were being devoured as part of a 16-course variety of Chinese cuisine.
Old Beijing is the next culinary venture for business partners David Loh & Louis Kuo who are also behind Shanghai Red.
David says, ‘We wanted to bring an authentic experience and capture the best of Chinese cuisine in one destination with exquisite flavours and a tantalising experience for all. We have created a beautiful ambience so that when guests walk through the entrance of Old Beijing, they will be taken back in time.’
The design of the venue is rooted in a tale of tradition with beautiful detailing and special features throughout the venue all hand-crafted in China. Old Beijing will offer a versatile and contemporary dining experience from day to night, with exceptional service in an atmosphere that encompasses a playground for the rich and famous, yet the menu will suit every dining budget option with mains starting from $15.
The menu will boast an extensive variety of traditional and authentic Chinese staples, representing favourites from different regions across China. The menu has been designed by 4 chefs who specialize across four regions; Cantonese, Shanghainese, Szechuan, and Beijing, in which diners can expect a curated selection of Peking Duck, dumplings, live seafood such as XO Live Pipis, Sichuan, Lobster Ma Po Tofu, Wagyu and other delicious dishes that are all prepared onsite. Visitors can simply order a la carte in sittings of any size, and lunchtime-goers will have quick lunch options to suit the timely breaks of people working in the centre, or those simply looking for a quick meal that does not sacrifice on quality.
Louis says, ‘Old Beijing creates the best Peking Duck in Australia with the ‘crispiest skin’, and we are delighted to have Chef Chen Xu who is the Peking Duck Master on board.’
With an incredible walk-in wine cellar and a selection of 188 wines, the team from Old Beijing consulted with world-class mixologist, Orlando Marzo, to create eight signature cocktails using Asian-inspired ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorn infused vodka, jasmine flowers, lemongrass, lime leaf & Osmanthus flower.
Old Beijing is a brand-new dining destination and cocktail bar located near the outdoor dining precinct at QV Melbourne.
Old Beijing
Artemis Lane, QV Melbourne (Access via Russell St)
Open 11am – 9pm https://www.oldbeijing.com.au/
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography Fiona Hamilton
PR Helen Reizer
