London’s latest culinary buzz lands on The Strand as Liu Xiaomian, the cult-favourite Chongqing noodle specialists, launch a brand-new pop-up inside The Stranded Pub. To mark the occasion, the first 66 bowls will be given away free from Friday 14th November – a date believed to be especially lucky in the Chinese Yellow Calendar. Expect a queue for these famously spicy noodles, as Londoners gather to sample Liu Xiaomian’s signature heat alongside pints of Czech beer and a cosy winter pub vibe.
Founded by Charlene Liu and Linda Liu – both hailing from Chongqing, China’s spice capital – Liu Xiaomian was born out of shared nostalgia and a love for authentic flavours. The pair met in London and, united by their roots, launched the concept in 2017 as a humble street-food venture. What began as a small stall has since become a cult sensation. Their Kingly Court flagship, opened in 2024, earned high praise from The Times for bringing “heat, heart and serious flavour” to London’s dining scene.
The new pop-up will serve the brand’s most-loved dishes, including Chongqing Xiaomian (wheat noodles) 重庆小面 and Hot & Sour Glass Noodles (sweet potato starch) 酸辣粉. Guests can enjoy a variety of toppings and spice levels, from Minced Pork & Chickpea to flavourful vegan bowls. Also on offer are their beloved silky pork Wontons (老麻抄手) and seasonal side plates like the much-requested cucumber salad, all finished with Liu Xiaomian’s signature homemade chilli oil – a heady blend of heat, aroma, and addictive depth.
The Stranded Pub, a newly opened venue on The Strand, seats around 300 people, with a dedicated 20-seat area reserved for Liu Xiaomian diners. It offers the perfect mix of comfort and novelty, with the pub pouring frothy Czech beers, crafting bubble tea on-site, and soon debuting its own coffee-making robot. The atmosphere promises warmth and energy, making it an ideal winter destination for food lovers seeking spice and cheer in central London.
“We’ve loved working with the team behind The Jackalope, and The Stranded feels like the perfect next step,” says Charlene Liu. “It’s a stylish new pub with vast amounts of seating in central London, perfect for everyone visiting The Strand this winter. We are really excited to get this pop-up off the ground and hit the ground running.”
“Our noodles have always been about comfort, fresh ingredients, and a menu that’s accessible to everyone,” adds Linda Liu. “We offer a range of dishes with varying spice levels, customers often find it funny that I personally go for the mild option, while Charlene opts for extra hot! That’s the beauty of our bowls: something for everyone, bold, vibrant, and made to share. The Stranded gives us the chance to welcome even more Londoners into that experience this winter.”
The Liu Xiaomian kitchen officially opens on 14th November, with menus and bookings available from mid-October at https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/booking.
This winter, dive into steaming bowls of Chongqing noodles, silky pork wontons, and irresistibly fragrant chilli oil – all best enjoyed with a pint in hand. Liu Xiaomian x The Stranded promises to be one of London’s most exciting pop-ups this season: hot, comforting, and full of heart. Come and get deliciously stranded on The Strand.