This November, Jamavar the signature Indian restaurant by The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts will open on Mount Street in Mayfair, marking its debut outpost outside of India, and the sixth Jamavar restaurant of the group.
The new restaurant is part of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, an award-winning collection of ultra-luxury hotels across India, ranked among the best in the world by travel aficionados and food critics alike. A family run business, Dinesh Nair, co-chairman and managing director, and daughter Samyukta are at the helm and play an integral role in driving the brand towards excellence in every aspect. A winning formula, which is reflected in numerous accolades, including, being ranked the fifth best hotel brand in the world by Travel + Leisure’s USA, and its properties voted among top destinations in Asia and the Indian sub-continent by Condé Nast Traveller-UK.
Celebration of cuisine is fundamental to The Leela Palaces and Jamavar is the jewel in the crown. Currently existent in five locations New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa and Mumbai, Jamavar takes a holistic approach to Indian cuisine from across the majestic sub-continent. On the menu are dishes that showcase the varied flavours of the Royal Kitchens of the North along with succulent options from the rivers and shores of the South. Behind every dish is a team of highly experienced chefs, each a culinary master of a distinct regional cuisine.
Jamavar, named after the intricate and vibrant 16th century shawls of Kashmir, first opened at The Leela Palace Bengaluru in 2001. Since then, the restaurant has received considerable international acclaim with Jamavar in Bengaluru being named among the World’s Top 10 Power Dining Spots by Forbes USA, and Jamavar in Chennai being hand-picked as a ‘delectable’ experience by restaurant critic Fay Maschler.
Bounding recognition from The Telegraph, Financial Times – How to Spend it, Departures Magazine, and Vogue India , is further underlined through its longstanding partnership with Lufthansa Airlines, which offers a taste of Jamavar dishes to travellers in First and Business Class on the Germany to India routings.
At Jamavar London, the kitchen team will be led by Rohit Ghai under the guise of Executive Chef; of revered culinary pedigree Rohit has lead several Indian Michelin starred kitchens, including most recently Gymkhana and prior to that, Benares. Rohit will be spending the next 6 weeks researching Jamavar in India; whilst Jamavar London will reflect the essence of its Indian siblings, Rohit and his team will ensure that the concept is evolved and adapted to suit the sophisticated palate of London diners. For example, smaller sharing plates will be an exclusive addition to Jamavar London along with signature classics such as Lobster Neeruli, Sindhi Gosht and Coconut Payasam.
Set across two floors, the restaurant is designed by Fabled Studio, and takes inspiration from the Viceroy’s house in New Delhi. Accents that draw on the ancient games of India with Chaturanga dining tables will be combined with the vibrant colours of Jamavar shawls, rainforest emperador marbles, dark timber panelling, as well as a mirror embellished bar in celebration of the Indian textile techniques.
There will also be a private dining room for 8 diners with a personal wine vitrine and views of a beautifully planted private garden.
London is famed for its Indian dining scene and Jamavar will be a welcome addition to this burgeoning genre. Successfully combining its established Indian heritage with a highly talented kitchen team, striking interior and enviable location, Jamavar London appears to have all the key ingredients for a memorable experience.
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