Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London: polished Southeast Asian fusion in the City

What it is

Straits Kitchen is the dining room and bar of Pan Pacific London at 80 Houndsditch, a contemporary hotel address in the City. It is best understood as an upscale hotel restaurant rather than a standalone attraction: a place for breakfast meetings, a quick weekday lunch, a longer brunch, or a composed dinner. The kitchen leans toward Southeast Asian flavours interpreted with Western technique, which gives the menu a clearer identity than many hotel restaurants in the area.

Atmosphere and setting

The room is fully indoors and designed for comfort, not spectacle. Expect polished surfaces, measured lighting, and a calm, business-friendly pace that suits the Square Mile around it. There are no views to speak of and no outdoor spillover; the appeal lies in the service, the room, and the food. The setting feels urban and contained, with the practical ease of a hotel venue and the finish of a premium central London dining room.

How a visit unfolds

Most visits are meal-led and time-limited. Breakfast is the simplest stop, often used by hotel guests and early business travellers. Lunch can be brisk, especially if you choose the express option, while brunch and dinner tend to stretch out longer, with drinks, dessert, or tea extending the table time. Afternoon patisserie adds a quieter, more restrained option between meal services. Private dining is available for groups that want a more enclosed setting.

Who it suits

This is a practical choice for solo diners, couples, business travellers, and hotel guests who want a central location without the noise of a street-side brasserie. Families are also catered for, with a children’s menu in place. The restaurant is easy to reach from Liverpool Street and works well when weather is poor, since the entire experience is indoors. It is less about lingering over a landmark meal and more about a well-run, premium dining stop in a busy part of London.

Practical expectations

Plan on roughly an hour for breakfast or a quick lunch, and closer to two hours for brunch or dinner. Prices sit in the premium upper-mid range expected of a luxury hotel restaurant in central London. The venue is most useful when you want reliable service, a refined room, and a menu with a clear culinary angle, all within a short walk of major transport links.