DUCK AND RICE TAPS MACAULAY SINCLAIR FOR BATTERSEA Opening
Duck and Rice have signed Macaulay Sinclair for Battersea Power Station Summer Opening
Celebrated interior architecture and design studio Macaulay Sinclair has been appointed to design the second site for acclaimed Cantonese kitchen and pub concept, The Duck and Rice. This new venue, set within the iconic Battersea Power Station, will build on the success of the original Soho location and is scheduled to open summer 2025.
The 4,000 sq ft space will be transformed into a 185-seat restaurant featuring a striking open kitchen and raised bar area. The design draws heavily from the rich visual language of Cha Chaan Tengs and South China’s traditional tea houses—infusing them with the warmth and comfort of the classic British pub. This distinct blend creates a customer experience that’s both familiar and immersive, honouring the cross-cultural inspiration behind the brand.
Leading the project is Ian Roome, Director at Macaulay Sinclair. “Duck and Rice is a standout brand, and we’ve taken care to honour its heritage while introducing a bold new vision for Battersea,” he says. “Our concept draws from archival photographs from 1949—capturing social settings, bar scenes, and an air of faded elegance—which reflect the era’s cultural crossover between East and West.”
The design continues the narrative from the original Soho site, layering nostalgic visual cues with modern elements suited to the contemporary Battersea setting. Materials, lighting, and architectural forms pay homage to both Hong Kong’s mid-century Cha Chaan Tengs and Britain’s storied pub culture, crafting a dynamic and versatile hospitality environment.
Ilir Caushi, CEO of The Duck and Rice, notes: “This is a landmark year for us, marking a decade since we opened in Soho. With Macaulay Sinclair’s expertise, we’re evolving the brand in a space that feels both fresh and rooted in our identity. Their ability to blend cultural elements into a seamless customer experience is unmatched.”
Macaulay Sinclair, known for their work with Hawksmoor, Dishoom, and Flat Iron, began the Battersea project in late 2023, with fit-out work starting in Autumn 2024. The studio is celebrated for its deep research-led approach, often drawing from local history, cultural movements, and iconic design periods to shape authentic, experience-driven spaces.
This next chapter for Duck and Rice promises to deliver more than just a meal—it’s a full-sensory journey through taste, culture, and design, housed in one of London’s most historic redevelopment sites.
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