Southampton's first Michelin star?

Newly opened southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine, could have all the right ingredients to claim the coveted title

- Elizabeth Kirby

Any recent visitors to Ocean Village in Southampton may have already seen the transformation taking place in the space between the Harbour Hotel and the Co-op.

The word transformation doesn’t even begin to describe the multi-million-pound project that Xi Zhao and his wife Phoebe have undertaken over the past three years. And, having first opened their doors in March before immediately closing them again due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the city’s first southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine is now well and truly open for business. From the concierge team at the door, to the hot towels served upon arrival, this experience is immediately akin to a five-star hotel brasserie.

Xi and Phoebe’s sensational design choices are a feast for the senses; my eyes dart to the Hong Kong-style rattan and leather bar stools, mid-century modern chairs and the most incredible resin and wood table I’ve ever seen. Money has indeed been spent, but spent well and in the most stylish way.