Chef Vivek Singh opened The Cinnamon Club, his modern Indian restaurant in the former Westminster Library, in 2001. And over the past 25 years Singh’s elegant cooking, served in a room encircled by shelves of books, has challenged perceptions of Indian food in the capital and he’s become a driving force behind the city’s contemporary Indian dining scene. The original Cinnamon Club has since spawned spin-offs Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Kitchen, well and truly cementing the chef as a leader in his field. But where does a top Indian chef dine when he’s off duty? We found out.
Aside from your own venues, where do you head for a great Indian meal?
I always love going to Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express; it’s such a fantastic, warm restaurant. She cooks with such soul and heart -– the mutton mince toasties there are to die for. I’m excited to visit once it is set up in its new, bigger home in Soho.
What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway dinner?
I love Brockley’s Rock fish’n’chips – it’s a classic done so well. Babur in Forest Hill is also fantastic; my favourite dish has to be the butter chicken, chef Jiwan Lal knows just how I like it!
Where do you head for a caffeine hit?
I’m not much of a coffee person, but along the same street as Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden is WatchHouse, which I always enjoy.
It’s date night. Where are you booking?
Brasserie Zedel – it’s got a fantastic atmosphere and the downstairs is such a beautiful space, which brings a wonderful element to any date night. It’s in such a fun part of the city, and good value, too.
I also love Fallow – it’s such a celebration of seasonal British produce. The menu is brimming with ideas and doesn’t shy from spice – I spent an entire afternoon eating the smoked cod’s head in sriracha butter sauce and was much happier for it. Oh, and the Chelsea tart is not to be missed.
Where do you head for a special occasion?
Benares Mayfair – but it’s often overlooked by those who are looking for the next new opening. Benares has been a London stalwart for 20 years now and Sameer Taneja’s cooking there is fantastic, he’s taken the menu and storytelling to another level.
Sometimes all you want is a drink and a snack. Any recommendations?
One option is The Catford House pub in Lewisham – it’s got amazing architecture, great drinks and often has food stalls outside at the weekend. Peckham Cellars is another spot I really enjoy. It has a fantastic atmosphere and wines, alongside seriously flavourful plates.
Your favourite breakfast spot?
I don’t eat out for breakfast very often but if I do, it has to be a traditional full English. One of my earliest memories of London is having breakfast down near Smithfield Market. As you can imagine, the meat was absolutely delicious.
What’s your pick for a long lunch?
You can’t go wrong with a long lunch at Boisdale in Belgravia. The location has such history, the art is marvellous, and their selection of wines is top tier. I also love going to The Guinea Grill. Both venues offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making them the perfect spots to see an afternoon away.
What’s a hidden London gem more people should know about?
It’s not necessarily a hidden gem, but I think what Daniel Watkins is doing at Holy Carrot is fantastic and he deserves more recognition for his cooking – it’s something more people need to experience. The way his mind processes ingredients is exceptional.
Tell us about a London sweet treat you love.
If I’m totally honest, I struggle to find a better dessert than the banana tart tatin we sometimes do at Cinnamon Kitchen – it’s just everything I want in a dessert.
What’s your bucket list restaurant?
Tresind Studio in Dubai. I adore Himanshu Saini’s approach to Indian food. I had the opportunity to eat there about five years ago and it’s firmly on my bucket list to return.
