Seemor
Lanzhou Lamian Noodle BarCWorth Trying
33 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AD
· Chinese noodle restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Delivery Chinese restaurant
· 4.2/5 Google (2790 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fast, no-frills hand-pulled noodles in a tiny, hectic spot with big portions, low prices, and uneven quality and service plus reports of hidden surcharges and occasional hygiene lapses.
Why it gets a C for overall quality
Lanzhou Lamian excels at its core mission: exceptional speed and solid noodle quality at budget-friendly prices make it a worthwhile stop for hand-pulled noodle cravings. However, inconsistent execution, recurring hygiene concerns, and rushed service hospitality prevent it from competing with higher-rated establishments. Best approached as a quick, no-frills noodle fix rather than a destination meal.
Restaurant Summary
A tiny spot just off Leicester Square where bowls arrive fast, steam hangs in the air, and the vibe is no-frills and bustling. Expect to share long tables, queue at peak times, and hear the rhythm of dough hit the counter. One diner summed it up: "Bowls landed in minutes and the noodles had great chew." It is efficient to a fault, sometimes feeling rushed and cramped, and multiple diners reported surprise surcharges or price mismatches that dull the glow. The kitchen focuses on hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles with a classic, Northern-leaning approach, not trend-chasing fusion. The culinary approach is traditional and speedy: when on form, stewed beef noodle soup and knife-cut noodles deliver comfort and bounce; when off, broths can taste flat and noodles clump. Sides like wings and lamb skewers can be fun, but rice and some wok dishes draw more mixed notes. Come for the noodles, not ceremony. Families will find some kid-friendly choices like mild soup noodles, egg fried rice, and sweet-sour dishes, but the space is tight and the turnover fast. There is no kids menu, customization is limited, and spicy or offal-heavy plates may not suit picky eaters. If your crew can handle close quarters and wants hearty bowls on a budget, it works; for a relaxed family dinner, look elsewhere.
At a Glance
- Big, filling bowls at wallet-friendly prices for central London
- Handmade noodles with satisfying chew when fresh
- Reports of hidden or unclear 10% service charge and price discrepancies
- Cramped seating and rushed turnover reduce comfort
- Hygiene complaints (plastic/hair), plus one food poisoning report
What Sets It Apart
- hand_pulled_noodles_made_in_view
- late_night_service_central_location
- very_large_portions_for_price
What People Love
- Chewy hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles made in view
- Stewed beef soup that hits classic comfort notes
- Lightning-fast service and short waits even with queues
- Portions that satisfy serious hunger
Points of Concern
- Multiple mentions of compulsory service charge and price not matching menu; disclosure clarity inconsistent
- Space is very tight with shared tables and a rushed feel
- Foreign-object and cleanliness complaints undermine trust
- Service can be brusque, with limited flexibility on modifications
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (polarized short raves vs detailed negatives), though metadata suggests mostly authentic experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Prioritize beef lamian or knife-cut noodles; consider cumin lamb or wings as sides; avoid pricier seafood unless you want a larger plate; confirm service charge before ordering.
Perfect For
- Quick pre-theatre dinner within minutes of Leicester Square
- Late-night noodle fix after a show
- Solo diners craving a fast, hearty bowl
- Budget-minded eaters who prioritize portion size over ambiance
Location Insights
Area: Ultra-central West End near Leicester Square and Chinatown, heavy foot traffic, tourist-heavy with some local office and theater crowd.
Safety: Busy, well-lit, high footfall; typical petty-theft vigilance advised but generally safe.
Nearby: Steps from Leicester Square station; near theaters, cinemas, and Chinatown eateries; late-night options nearby.
Leicester SquareA bustling, cosmopolitan area in the heart of London's entertainment district, characterized by high-energy dining, proximity to major theaters, and a diverse, international dining scene.
ChinatownA compact, culturally rich enclave known for authentic Asian cuisine, vibrant street life, and a concentration of restaurants and specialty food shops.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Sunday10:00–23:00
Monday12:00–02:00, 10:00–02:00
Tuesday10:00–02:00
Wednesday10:00–02:00
Thursday10:00–02:00
Friday10:00–05:00
Saturday10:00–00:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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