Jamavar, Mayfair
Pritesh Mody |
What…/
Renowned for being one of India's leading luxury hotel groups, Leela Hotels has marked its first foray outside of home territory with the opening of Jamavar Restaurant, fittingly in Mayfair.
The venue…/
Jamavar is the jewel in the crown for Leela Hotels and they've certainly gone to town to ensure the London outpost is fit for a Maharaja. Set across two floors, the décor takes its inspiration from the Viceroy's house in New Delhi, including an abundance of marble, gilded wallpaper, dark wood panelling and polished brass detailing.
On the menu…/
In keeping with the ‘no-expense spared' approach to the restaurant, Jamavar has pulled out the stops to appoint Rohit Ghai, previously of the revered Gymkhana, as head chef.
Rich and decadent is probably the best way to describe the food, which takes its inspiration from the hearty curries of the North and powerfully spiced seafood of Southern India.
Small plates include Tellicherry Pepper & Garlic Soft Shell Crab served with garlic chips and damson chutney; and Crispy Guinea fowl Malligai with raw mango pachadi, crispy curry leaves and buttermilk.
Fans of Jamavar's restaurants in India will no doubt delight in the familiarity of many of the signature Jamavar curries and biryani dishes, including an indulgent Old Delhi style Butter Chicken; a powerfully spiced Lobster Nerulli curry; and tandoori prawns cooked with peanuts and aromatic curry leaf.
Cocktails…/
Jamavar's Botanical Garden menu provides a collection of sip-worthy gin and tonics, all zinged up using an exotic union of herbs, roots and spices. The Madari, mixes Monkey 47 with pink grapefruit zest, raspberry and Bolivar bitters; whilst the William of Orange is made of Fifty Pounds gin, lemon zest, orange and mandarin bitters and coriander flower.
We went and here's why you should go…/
In contrast to the innovative street-food inspired Indian restaurants that are currently all the rage, Jamavar champions traditional Indian food at its best, all in a setting that's guaranteed to impress.
How much…/
Around £50/head for food, which is pretty pricey but in keeping with other similarly styled Mayfair restaurants.
Where…/
Jamavar, 8 Mount Street, London
W1K 3NF
www.jamavarrestaurants.com