Chef Peter Lloyd has opened his second Sticky Mango restaurant located in the former D&D Cantina del Ponte site overlooking London’s Tower Bridge.
Since opening the first Sticky Mango in 2016 on London’s South Bank near Waterloo, Lloyd’s vision has been to develop a restaurant collection with menus that showcase his modern interpretations of food inspired by extensive travels across South-East Asia.
Lloyd commented: “In this most incredible Tower Bridge location, there is an opportunity to share the beauty of Sticky Mango with a wider audience, many of which will be visiting London for the first time. Throughout the year, I want to focus on the stunning food from different South-East Asian regions – in particular Vietnam and Indonesia, which are both fascinating culinary destination”.
Lloyd’s ambition for Sticky Mango Tower Bridge is to deliver cuisine like that of his debut Waterloo site, whilst bringing even more theatre to diners. There are plans for impressive displays of opulent signature dishes whilst maintaining an open and ever-changing influence from across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other South-East Asian countries.
“I’m looking forward to wowing guests with more interaction – like table-side preparations of dishes and magical touches being added to desserts,” added Peter Lloyd. “I want to entice diners to capture their Sticky Mango experience and share these extraordinary moments.”
Som Tam will be just one of the dishes from the menu that will be prepared at the tableside. This Thai green papaya salad will be served in a traditional Thai pestle and mortar. Other dishes that will be cooked at the table include Vietnamese Cha Ca La Vong – a fish dish found only in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam – and fragrant Wagyu & Short Rib Vietnamese Pho. Vietnamese Coffee Chocolate infused with Vietnamese Rum promises to be a new dessert showstopper – served as a sampan boat, the traditional trade ship of Malaysia.
Other Sticky Mango favourites will also make an appearance including Singapore Chilli Lobster, Malaysian Curry Puffs, Tuna Tartare Spring Rolls and the eponymous Sticky Mango dessert.
The inside has space to accommodate 100 covers, including a dedicated Sushi Bar with room for 10 bar stools. The Blossom Island in the centre of the restaurant nestled between the impressive blossom trees and where you can dine under glass raindrop chandeliers – can accommodate up to 18 guests.
The outside terrace has a further 50 covers for alfresco dining with views of one of Tower Bridge.
The design brief for this new restaurant celebrates the original Sticky Mango restaurant. A sure talking point, Lloyd has designed the bespoke epoxy resin floor himself, which is patterned with a cascade of southeast Asian pastels. The colours of the turquoise waters of Thailand are marbled together using the gold of the Thai Buddha with lilac and pink blossoms – Hibiscus of Malaysia, lotus of Vietnam and orchids of Thailand. The floor is also emblazoned with an iconic quote from the late, great Anthony Bourdain: “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”
As well as the signature interior florals, for which Sticky Mango is recognised, two blossom trees adorn the ceiling in the central section, while the back wall is lined with Osborne & Little’s trailing orchids and flitting hummingbirds.
All guests will be seated at solid black oak tables, which are complemented by turquoise cushions on matching black chairs. A long banquette for up to 38 people with mirror wall creates another focal point.
