The venue will be called Gymkhana – inspired by the colonial Indian social and sports clubs of the same name. The 3,500 sq.ft, two-tier restaurant will offer approximately 110 covers when it opens at 42 Albermarle Street in late July/early August.
“The social and sports clubs of India have always been renowned for serving excellent tandoori and chatpatta food,” said Sethi. “Their dining culture is about sharing - frequently with copious amounts of alcohol - and I wanted to capture that sense of opulence and celebration at Gymkhana.
“I’m looking forward to the restaurant being a convivial and accessible addition to Mayfair’s iconic dining scene.”
With Trishna’s senior sous chef Nand Kishor set to head up the kitchen, signature dishes will combine British ingredients with Indian techniques; including club-style ‘nashtas’, sharing plates of tandoori kebabs, and seasonal curries in the Dum Pukht style.
Feast menu
Traditional Indian breads will be cooked on the tandoor and tawa skillet and there will be a ‘feast menu’ available for larger groups - with game bird, Goan suckling pig, Lucknowi kid goat raan and tandoori guinea fowl on offer.
Gymkhana’s drinks menu will specialise in modern interpretations of traditional East Indian punch tavern beverages. The bar will feature a range of spirits, tonics and mixers from the sub-continent, including feni and arrack.
Trishna Sommelier Sunaina Sethi – who has just opened her own solo venture in Canary Wharf- has devised the wine list.
The décor at Gymkhana will reflect the grandeur of the Colonial gymkhana clubs, with the 65-seat ground floor inspired by East India Punch Taverns, and more intimate seating for 45-50 in the basement vaults.
Gymkhana Indian restaurant will open at 42 Albermarle Street in late July/early August. Restaurant Property advised on the deal.