The group has two sites in Sandestead and Epsom, but aimed to try something different and expand into a larger market by setting up in London's Chelsea Harbour.
Central Location
Amani owner Azad Miah told BigHospitality: “Compared to our other restaurants this one will be the same in terms of quality, with excellent food and service. But in terms of ambience and location it will be very different because it’s in the capital city. Having a site in London opens the restaurant to a different type of clientele and there are lots of businesses in the area we can promote to. There are no other Indian restaurants in Chelsea Harbour either, so we can stand out.
“We looked at a few different sites for our planned expansion to London, but this one was by far the best. It’s in a stunning area by the harbour, and we have a balcony where customers can sit out and watch the boats. It’s a destination area, very luxurious, a place where people go to enjoy themselves.”
Modern emphasis
The restaurant sits 40 people inside and can fit 10 more on the balcony, which overlooks the harbour and will be used for al fresco dining in the summer months. The décor was designed to invoke a simple elegance, with warm lighting, oak wooden flooring and white tablecloths.
Executive Chef Rajeev Kumar places an emphasis on modern, plated cooking infused with distinctive flavours. His menu includes signature dishes such as rose petal lamb and galouti with pickled onions or baked halibut fillet with garlic pak choi and moilee sauce.
Homemade desserts such as thandai ice cream and zingy sorbets in lime and mint or chilli and mandarin flavours go against the grain of the 'typical Indian' offering.
The drinks menu includes a list of classic cocktails and a comprehensive wine selection which focuses more on the old world, with a little of the new.
“This restaurant has been four years in the making, it’s been that long since I opened my Epsom site,” said Miah.
“It takes a while to build a restaurant if you want it to be good. I intend to expand the business further but I’m concentrating on this one at the moment.
“It only opened last week but it’s doing well, although it’s early days the forecast looks good.”