Dubai’s vibrant hospitality landscape recently witnessed the opening of a new icon – the China Tang at The Lana, Dorchester Collection – which aims to infuse the city with its signature blend of distinctive glamour and exquisite Cantonese dining.

This highly anticipated restaurant, which joins its esteemed sister locations in London, Hong Kong and Beijing, boasts a stunning turnkey fit-out, which is a collaborative masterpiece by Havelock One Interiors and North 51 Consulting.

Spanning over 8,000 sq ft across two floors, China Tang at The Lana, Dorchester Collection comprises a grand main dining room, intimate private dining areas, a captivating terrace, and an elegant bar and lounge.

“Opening China Tang in Dubai is an exciting milestone for us, and the quality of the space speaks volumes,” remarks Nathalie Ford, Vice President, Europe and Middle East at China Tang.

China Tang at The Lana comprises a grand main dining room, intimate private dining areas, a captivating terrace, and an elegant bar and lounge.

She lauds Havelock One’s meticulous execution: “Havelock One’s ability to deliver complex features with care and consistency gave us confidence at every stage, while North 51 Consulting were our eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring all project milestones were met. The end result is a restaurant that lives up to the expectations of both the brand and the city.”

Havelock One Interiors’ scope of work was a testament to its expertise, combining intricate detailing with high-precision manufacturing. Its Bahrain facility was instrumental in crafting standout elements that define the restaurant’s aesthetic, including the decorative raft ceiling in the lounge that adds depth and visual interest. The ornate bar counters, crafted with precision, exude a timeless elegance, while the striking reception desk, featuring exquisite basket-style metalwork, makes a memorable first impression. Each piece, manufactured to the highest standards, was then expertly shipped and installed in Dubai.

Adrian Sellar, Division Director UAE at Havelock One, emphasises the project’s demanding standards. “China Tang is a brand that sets the bar for luxury dining. Our teams in Bahrain and Dubai worked closely to deliver a space that meets the design vision while supporting the operational flow of a world-class restaurant. It’s a strong example of how we approach high-end F&B fit-out from bespoke manufacturing to on-site delivery,” he says.

Commenting on the challenges of the project, Mark Hampson, Senior Projects Manager, Havelock One, says: “As the design evolved and developed, materials and finishes were adapted and changed. This brought challenges to the site team that had to be overcome to meet the design expectation of the client.

Havelock One’s Bahrain facility was instrumental in crafting standout elements that define the restaurant’s aesthetic.

“Another challenge was the installation of the illuminated lounge feature and mirrored ceiling… the challenge was to create a suitably robust supporting structure that would accommodate the existing and new services.”

 North 51 Consulting played a crucial role as the lead consultant, expertly managing the project from its 2023 inception. Its comprehensive involvement included project management, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) design, commercial and contract management and end-to-end authority approvals. Acting as the on-ground client representative for the Hong Kong-based and London-based client group, North 51 Consulting seamlessly bridged time zones and cultural contexts, ensuring local statutory compliance, design coordination, and construction were executed without compromise.

“From the outset, this project required coordination across multiple disciplines and geographies,” says Natasha Abbas, Director of Project Management at North 51 Consulting. “Havelock One were proactive partners – responsive, solution-oriented, and committed to delivering to a high standard.”

This project further solidifies Havelock One’s reputation for delivering premium F&B environments across the region. Its commitment to excellence is also reflected in its sponsorship of the inaugural Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in Dubai later this year, an event celebrating the region’s most exceptional dining destinations.