Beauty is skin deep
Had to try it due to the celebrity status of the owner (and fair doos to Mr K, he actually chef's there at weekends, so book in advance as he draws a crowd). The venue is cleverly located in an area of Greater rather than Central London, aiming to attract some of the cash from surrounding areas such as Chiselhurst, Bromley etc..a cunning move and one successfully delivered by nearby Chapter One. The restaurant itself suffers from a distinct lack of class from the outside and a rather unusual bar area that feels more like a drafty conservatory looking out onto a bus stop than a top restaurant bar. Yet, once successfully passing these hazards and entering the main area, the surroundings are contemporary and comfortable…although it can get rammed during weekends and thu nights particularly. Service levels vary but are never bad (based on 3 visits). But now to the reason I go there…the grub. Sensational..not much more to add. Layers of flavours, delicate spicing, intriguing menu. Example dishes include lamb neck slow cooked masala, John dorry and, my favourite, chicken curry. It's more Benares than local curry joint after the pub..not quite up there with big hitters like Cinnamon Club (for reference my favourite place of all) but same league in quality terms. If it was in a different building I could see it getting well acclaimed. Would recommend for food experience. Look to wear a £100 bill for 2 with (1) bottle of red. Tasting menu is £38..also good.