The search term Lucky Cat Bishopsgate points directly to the latest and most spectacular outpost of Gordon Ramsay’s high-end Asian-inspired dining concept: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay at 22 Bishopsgate. More than just a restaurant, this establishment, perched 60 floors above the City of London, represents a collision of modern Asian cuisine, sophisticated late-night bar culture, and unparalleled panoramic views.
From the sleek, moody interiors inspired by 1930s Tokyo drinking dens to the innovative culinary techniques that define its small plates, this article explores why Lucky Cat Bishopsgate has quickly cemented its status as a London landmark, appealing to City professionals, international gourmands, and luxury lifestyle seekers alike.
Defining the Experience: The Essence of Lucky Cat Bishopsgate
Lucky Cat is a concept rooted in the Kissa Clubs of 1930s Tokyo and the intimate, buzzing Shànghǎi drinking dens. It is a sleek, glamorous, and slightly secretive atmosphere, which Gordon Ramsay Restaurants has successfully re-interpreted for a modern, high-end London audience. The Bishopsgate location elevates this concept—literally—by offering it from the dizzying height of the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate.
London’s Highest Culinary Perch
The defining characteristic of Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is its vertical dominance. Situated on Level 60, it holds the title of London’s highest restaurant, a crucial USP (Unique Selling Proposition) that drives immense search and booking traffic.
Location: Floor 60, 22 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AJ.
The View: The space boasts full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the London skyline, including iconic landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, and Tower Bridge. The strategic, dark-toned interior design by Russell Sage Studios is deliberately executed to minimize reflection and keep the focus entirely on the external view, making the city itself part of the spectacle.
The Access: The experience begins at ground level, where guests are whisked up by one of Europe’s fastest lifts, a rapid 40-second ascent that builds anticipation before the dramatic reveal of the view.
Culinary Concept: Asian-Inspired Small Plates
At its core, the menu at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is defined as modern, high-end Asian-inspired cuisine designed for sharing. It avoids focusing on a single national cuisine, instead drawing inspiration from Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and beyond, with a heavy emphasis on theatrical presentation and premium ingredients.
Signature Offerings: The menu is structured around diverse sections including a dedicated Raw Bar (sashimi, nigiri, ceviches), Robata Grill dishes, Dumplings & Bao, and signature mains. Dishes like the yellowtail tartare with yuzu dressing, the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu selection, and the famous GFC (Gordon’s Fried Chicken) with Korean-style hot miso glaze exemplify the blend of refined technique and playful flair.
Sushi & Sashimi Bar: A dedicated sushi counter provides an interactive dining experience where guests can sit and watch the chefs prepare immaculate, flawless cuts of the highest quality fish, including Omakase options.
Theatrical Desserts: Presentation is key, culminating in show-stopping desserts, such as the iconic ‘Lucky Cat’ chocolate sculpture, which is melted tableside with steaming chocolate sauce to reveal internal layers of caramel, miso, and honeycomb—an Instagrammable moment that aligns perfectly with 2025 luxury dining trends.
Practical Guides for Dining at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate
A visit to this landmark restaurant requires careful planning, especially to secure a coveted window-side table. Here are step-by-step guides and practical tips to ensure a seamless and elevated dining experience.
How-To: Securing a Reservation and a Window Seat
Given its status as London’s highest restaurant, reservations are essential and booking windows can be competitive.
Check the Booking Window: Lucky Cat Bishopsgate typically releases tables well in advance (often 2-3 months). Check the official Gordon Ramsay Restaurants website for the most accurate booking schedule.
Be Flexible with Time: For the best chance of securing a prime spot, consider booking weekday lunch/early dinner slots or dining on a Sunday. The restaurant is open until 3 AM on weekends (Thursday to Saturday), but the dining room seating slots are often fully reserved in advance.
Specify Your Request (Politely): While you cannot guarantee a specific table, always add a note to your online booking requesting a “window-side table” for the best view. Be aware, however, that the restaurant’s policy is to allocate tables based on availability on the day, particularly for smaller parties.
Consider the Express Lunch: For a more accessible experience, the Express Lunch menu (£29 for two courses, £34 for three courses as of the beginning of 2025) offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the food and the view during the day, appealing strongly to the City’s professional demographic.
Utilise the Bar for Walk-ins: The separate Lucky Cat Bar offers a stunning space, late-night cocktails, and DJ sets. If the main dining room is full, the bar is a fantastic alternative for a high-altitude experience, offering Asian-inspired small plates and a chance to enjoy the electric atmosphere.
Real-Life Example and Logistics
The experience of dining at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is frequently documented in high-end lifestyle publications and social media.
Real-Life Scenario: The Corporate Celebration
A City of London finance firm books the private dining room at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate for a team celebration.
Logistics: The dedicated lift and private dining entrance provide the necessary exclusivity and speed for high-level business guests.
Experience: The team opts for the £185 per person “Feast” menu, which includes signature dishes and high-end items like a suckling pig centerpiece, ensuring a memorable, shared experience. The full AV setup allows for a brief corporate address before the meal.
Outcome: The combination of the spectacular view, the quality of the food (driven by a globally recognized chef’s brand), and the electric atmosphere makes the event a massive success, immediately establishing the firm’s sophistication and appreciation for luxury. This use case is a cornerstone of the restaurant’s target market.
How to Maximise Your Experience at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate
Beyond simply booking a table, a few practical tips can significantly enhance your visit to the 60th floor.
Time Your Visit for the Sunset Shift
The transition from day to night offers the most spectacular visual display. Booking your reservation for around 45-60 minutes before sunset allows you to witness the 360-degree daytime view, watch the city’s lights turn on, and experience the interior’s lighting scheme shift into its moodier, late-night setting.
Explore the Japanese Whisky Collection
The Lucky Cat Bar holds one of the Gordon Ramsay Group’s largest selections of Japanese whiskey, sakes, and bespoke martinis (Citrus, Floral, and Umami options). Even if you are dining, allocate time for a pre or post-dinner cocktail at the stunning orange backlit main bar. The signature Lucky Negroni is a recommended experience, often involving a ‘dice roll’ to select gin, bitter, and vermouth combinations, adding a playful, interactive element.
Dress to Impress
The dress code for Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is smart-casual to high-end evening wear. As a major City landmark and luxury destination, the ambiance calls for a sophisticated attire. Avoid overly casual wear like sportswear or flip-flops to ensure you feel comfortable in the highly glamorous setting.
Consult the Sommelier
The restaurant’s wine and sake list is curated to complement the bold, complex flavour profiles of the Pan-Asian menu. Rather than defaulting to a familiar choice, consult with the sommelier for a pairing recommendation. A dry Japanese sake or a crisp white wine can dramatically enhance the delicate flavour of the sashimi or the spice of the Robata-grilled meats.
FAQs
To address all common user queries surrounding the search intent, here are the five most relevant FAQs for Lucky Cat Bishopsgate.
Is Lucky Cat Bishopsgate the highest restaurant in London?
Yes. Located on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, Lucky Cat Bishopsgate currently holds the distinction of being London’s highest restaurant, surpassing the dining establishments in The Shard due to a slight difference in sea-level measurement and building height.
How late is Lucky Cat Bishopsgate open, and is there a separate bar area?
The venue is famed for its late-night license. The bar area, known as the Lucky Cat Bar, and the restaurant are open late: Monday-Wednesday until 1 AM, and Thursday to Saturday until 3 AM, making it one of the City’s premier late-night spots for dining and cocktails. The separate bar area offers a distinct atmosphere with a DJ set every night of the week.
Does Lucky Cat Bishopsgate offer a vegan or vegetarian menu?
While the full menu is heavily geared towards fish and meat, the chefs at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate can accommodate vegetarian and, upon request, vegan dietary requirements. The menu includes sufficient vegetable dishes and customizable options. It is highly recommended to inform the restaurant of any dietary restrictions when making your reservation to ensure the kitchen can prepare suitable offerings.
Is the view better during the day or at night?
This is subjective and depends on the preference. The daytime view offers clear, detailed visibility of London’s landmarks and geography. The night-time view offers a dramatic, atmospheric spectacle of the city lit up, which complements the restaurant’s moody, low-lit, and glamorous interior. Many recommend a booking just before sunset to experience the best of both.
Final Thoughts
Lucky Cat Bishopsgate is not merely another high-rise restaurant in a city defined by them; it is the ultimate expression of the modern luxury dining experience in London. By fusing the global authority of the Gordon Ramsay brand with the breathtaking expertise of its sky-high location at 22 Bishopsgate, the venue delivers a genuinely unique and memorable culinary journey.
The cohesive strategy of blending high-touch service, spectacular visuals, and expertly crafted Pan-Asian small plates ensures its status as a top-tier destination for City celebrants and international visitors alike. For those seeking an evening defined by glamour, altitude, and world-class food, Lucky Cat Bishopsgate remains the benchmark for elevated dining in 2025.
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