Duck blood sir? Beijing food in town for 2012

A Beijing restaurant chain is planning the ultimate Chinese takeaway for the 2012 Olympics.

The South Beauty Group will open its first European restaurant in London next year as a showcase for the lucrative 2012 catering contract.

Its executives are in London this week to persuade 2012 chiefs of their Olympic credentials, having been official caterers to the Beijing games, when 8,000 employees provided meals to athletes, government officials and the media.

Specialists in the fiery cuisine of China's south-western Sichuan province, the company offers staples such as spicy chicken and "crystal shrimp" as well as delicacies including duck intestines with duck blood tofu.

Established in 2000, South Beauty is now one of China's most prominent brands, with 12,000 staff and 50 restaurants which also supply meals to airlines. The firm, whose Bejing Olympic contract was worth £2million is chaired by Zhang Lan, one of a new breed of female billionaire entrepreneurs in China.

The deal to come to the capital has been brokered by Think London , the Mayor's inward investment agency.

South Beauty has admired the success of Chinatown's Sichuan Bar Shu restaurant but says it will be aiming beyond the Chinese community and has viewed sites in the City.

The firm's vice president of communications Catherine Du said: "Being based in London will put us in a better position to pitch for Olympic contracts."

If chosen for 2012, it is likely to be one of numerous food firms, as organisers are required to offer dishes to the taste of spectators, athletes, officials and media from more than 200 nations.