Seemor
New East HouseB+Worth Trying
124 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8PU
· Takeout Restaurant, Cantonese restaurant, Chinese noodle restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (403 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Affordable Cantonese/Sichuan spot with hotpot and a very large menu; tasty classics and friendly staff, but service and consistency can wobble during busy times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
New East House delivers reliable Cantonese and Sichuan cooking with above-average food quality and strong service attentiveness, supported by notably fast service and good value for central London. However, inconsistent execution during peak times—with occasional reports of off-seasoning or ingredient substitutions—prevents the grade from climbing higher. A welcoming neighborhood spot that excels at what it does, though without the polish or distinction of top-tier regional Chinese dining.
Restaurant Summary
A relaxed, central London Chinese spot where the room feels warm and welcoming and plates arrive fast. Reviews praise friendly hosts and quick service, with one diner noting, "we were greeted kindly and the dishes rolled out hot." It is the kind of place where groups gather over steaming pots and shareable platters. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than flashy—think Cantonese comfort with some Sichuan heat. Dishes like dry fried beef ho fun, cumin lamb, and sea spicy aubergine get the most love, while the hotpot setup brings a convivial, DIY element. Most find the value strong for the area; a few report off days on seasoning or service when the room is busy. For families, it is an easy fit: there are simple noodle and rice dishes kids usually accept, plus sweet-and-sour and mild stir-fries. Hotpot can be fun with older children, while younger or picky eaters can stick to egg fried rice, chicken fried rice, or plain noodles. If spice is not your thing, the menu is broad enough to keep it mild.
At a Glance
- Big traditional menu spanning Cantonese and Sichuan with crowd-pleasing favorites
- Good value for central London with generous portions
- Service and consistency dip at busy times
- Isolated complaints about sweetness/grease or ingredient swaps on seafood
- Hotpot freshness and waste-charge concerns appeared in older reviews only
What Sets It Apart
- hotpot_tables
- broad_dual_style_menu_cantonese_sichuan
- group_friendly_layout
What People Love
- Warm, friendly staff who check in
- Hot, quick plates that feel freshly cooked
- Comforting noodle and rice staples
- Shareable fish pots and aubergine dishes
Points of Concern
- Occasional inconsistency: a minority cite overly sweet/greasy or bland dishes
- Service lapses during busy periods with longer waits reported
- Older reports of hotpot waste-charge and freshness; policy clarity recommended
- Seafood substitution complaint (sea bass vs dory) noted once
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£19-28 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a noodle or rice main (£9-12) with a shared veg/tofu plate (£8.50-£10.90) for value.
- For heat, choose Chicken/Beef Szechuan Style (£10.90-£11.50) or Cumin Lamb (£12.90).
- Kids: Egg Fried Rice (£5.00) plus Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls (£11.90).
- Budget lunch: Fried Noodles with Beansprouts (£7.90) and tea/water.
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight dinners near Barbican/Old Street
- Group hotpot gatherings
- Quick, affordable noodle or rice fix
- Families wanting mild, shareable dishes
Location Insights
Area: Central London edge-of-City zone mixing office crowds, residents, and Whitecross Street food market energy; casual and budget-conscious daytime traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during weekdays with good footfall; quieter evenings but well-lit main streets.
Nearby: Near Barbican and Old Street; surrounded by offices, flats, and grab-and-go eateries; easy pre- or post-Barbican stop.
BarbicanA distinctive urban neighborhood characterized by brutalist architecture, cultural institutions, and a vibrant mix of residential and commercial spaces. The dining scene is sophisticated, with a blend of modern cafes, artisan restaurants, and professional lunch venues.
ClerkenwellA trendy area known for its design studios, innovative restaurants, and cutting-edge creative businesses, with a strong emphasis on contemporary urban lifestyle.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–23:00
Tuesday11:30–23:00
Wednesday11:30–23:00
Thursday11:30–23:00
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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