The Queen's birthplace is now a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant
Watch: Queen thanks well-wishers for 'support and kindness' in touching message on 95th birthday
The Mayfair location where the Queen was born more than 90 years ago is now a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant that has played host to her grand-daughter Princess Eugenie.
Royal fans can take a trip to the spot – but it may not look as they imagine.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street, a Mayfair townhouse, to the then Duke and Duchess of York.
When she was born her uncle Edward VIII was king, and growing up, she expected to have a relatively normal, if aristocratic, life.
But all that changed in 1936 when Edward abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, making her father the new king – and her the heir presumptive.
Read more: Why does the Queen mark two birthdays?
Now, at 95, the Queen is the longest-serving reigning monarch. She will mark 70 years on the throne – her Platinum Jubilee – in 2022.
The townhouse where she was born no longer exists, but there are two plaques at the site where it once stood.
One was placed there in 1977, when she celebrated her Silver Jubilee year, marking 25 years on the throne.
The second was added beneath in 2012, her Diamond Jubilee, to commemorate 60 years on the throne.
Now, standing on the spot where the Queen was born, is the upmarket, Hakkasan Mayfair Chinese restaurant.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020 it secured a Michelin star in the prestigious restaurant guide.
It hasn't been able to reopen yet, despite the easing of some coronavirus lockdown restrictions to allow outdoor dining. Instead, Hakkasan's website explains, it plans to reopen on 17 May, when according to the government roadmap, groups of six will be allowed to dine inside .
Hakkasan Mayfair is one of 12 Hakkasan restaurants founded by Alan Yau, who also launched Wagamama.
Yau was appointed an OBE in 2006 for services to the restaurant industry.
Read more: Queen says she is in 'period of great sadness' but 'deeply touched' by tributes to Prince Philip
Hakkasan's website says: "Founded in 2001, Hakkasan celebrates Chinese cuisine through traditional techniques, the finest ingredients and contemporary flair.
"Each kitchen is led by a talented chef whose passion lies in creating uniquely rooted yet modern dishes.
"With international outposts in some of the world’s most vibrant cities, Hakkasan’s menu is a culinary balance of signature dishes as well as an Only At collection created exclusively for each different location."
The Michelin star inspector said: "It has the sensual looks, air of exclusivity and glamorous atmosphere synonymous with the ‘brand’. The exquisite Cantonese dishes are prepared with care and consistency by the large kitchen team; lunch dim sum is a highlight."
Princess Eugenie, one of the Queen's granddaughters, enjoyed a night out there in 2012, and was pictured leaving the restaurant with friends.
The spot has also hosted A-list events including the after-party of Marvel movie Avengers Assemble and Brit awards parties.
DJ Calvin Harris previously had a residency at the restaurant's Las Vegas branch.
With guests like the princess, the location is still fit for royalty.
