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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.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  A general view of one of two plaques that mark the birthplace of the Queen at 17 Bruton Street on April 20, 2016 in Windsor, England. Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday April 21, 2016 when a series of events will mark the occasion including the traditional walkabout and the lighting of a thousand bonfires in her honour worldwide.  (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
One of two plaques that mark the birthplace of the Queen at 17 Bruton Street, London. (Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  A general view of one of two plaques that mark the birthplace of the Queen at 17 Bruton Street on April 20, 2016 in Windsor, England. Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday April 21, 2016 when a series of events will mark the occasion including the traditional walkabout and the lighting of a thousand bonfires in her honour worldwide.  (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
The second of two plaques that mark the birthplace of the Queen at 17 Bruton Street. (Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
Hakkasan  (Photo by Tomos Brangwyn/WireImage) *** Local Caption ***
Hakkasan's first London branch was in Fitzrovia. (Tomos Brangwyn/WireImage)

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.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  A general view of two plaques that mark the birthplace of the Queen at 17 Bruton Street on April 20, 2016 in Windsor, England. Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday April 21, 2016 when a series of events will mark the occasion including the traditional walkabout and the lighting of a thousand bonfires in her honour worldwide.  (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
One plaque was put up in 1977, while the second was added in 2012, as she marked her Diamond Jubilee year. (Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20:  Two policemen cycle past the Queen's birthplace marked by two plaques at 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, on April 20, 2016 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday on April 21 when a series of events will mark the occasion including the traditional walkabout and the lighting of a thousand bonfires in her honour worldwide.  (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
The townhouse where she was born no longer exists, replaced by this building. (Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
29th May 1926:  The Duchess of York (1900 - 2002) leaving 17 Bruton Street, on her way to the christening of her daughter Princess Elizabeth.  (Photo by E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
The Duchess of York, who became the Queen Mother, leaving 17 Bruton Street in 1926, on her way to the christening of her daughter, then Princess Elizabeth. (E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

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.

Home of Earl and Countess of Strathmore. at 17 Bruton Street. where Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II). was born. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
17 Bruton Street, where Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) was born. The townhouse no longer exists. (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
May 1923:  Workmen remove the Duke of York's furniture from 17 Bruton Street, London. The house belongs to the Strathmores, the parents of the Duchess of York.  (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
Workmen removing the Duke of York's furniture from 17 Bruton Street in 1923. Three years later the future Queen was born here. (Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
Portrait of Duchess of York (future Queen Mother) w. newborn daughter Princess Elizabeth  (Photo by Time Life Pictures/Pictures Inc./The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)
The Duchess of York (who became the Queen Mother) with her newborn daughter Princess Elizabeth. (Time Life Pictures/Pictures Inc./The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)

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."

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 22: Princess Eugenie of York leaving Hakkasan Mayfair restaurant on March 22, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/FilmMagic)
Princess Eugenie leaving Hakkasan Mayfair restaurant in March 2012. (Mark Milan/FilmMagic)

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.