Latest opening: Baba G's
What:
Street-food stalwart Baba G’s, which has opened its first permanent restaurant following an appearance on this year’s series of the BBC’s My Million Pound Menu, where it secured a £300,000 investment from chef Atul Kochhar. Baba G’s has, however, since said it is undertaking this new venture independently.
Who:
Business and life partners Alec Owen and Liz Selway, who first launched the brand back in 2008 as a street food stall in Camden Market’s West Yard that’s still there today. In that respect, the opening of their first bricks and mortar site in the market’s North Yard is something of a homecoming for the couple. Earlier this year the pair also launched a pop-up location in London Bridge’s new Vinegar Yard development, to add to the one they already operate in Pop Brixton.
The food:
Central to the menu is Baba G’s selection of Indian-inspired big and bold Bhangra burgers, which typically feature either a spiced-lamb or chicken patty (a veggie paneer saag option is also available) served in a buttermilk, nann-style bun with a crisp onion bhaji and either a spicy naga or cool mint sauce. Classic sides feature tikka chicken nuggets that are served with a tamarind dressing; and fries tossed with masala spice. While new additions include raan lamb and achaar croquettes; and spiralized celeriac bhajis. The brand’s signature speciality, though, is its poppadum/nacho hybrid pachos, which come topped with a tomato and coriander salsa, mango pulp, mint riatha, and chilli pickle.
The vibe:
With its garish colour scheme, neon signage and central location, Baba G’s is visible from the moment you enter Stables Market. Inside the restaurant has exposed brickwork, industrial-style steel framed tables and low-level industrial lighting, with Bollywood-style graffiti adorning the walls. The 50-cover space iss light and airy, with a bar area looking out over the open kitchen that comes complete with a butchery area. Surrounding much of the kitchen is also a large window hatch area, from which passers-by are able to order from a smaller street-food takeaway menu.
And another thing:
Baba G’s isn’t the only concept to launch its first permanent location following a recent appearance on My Million Pound Menu. This weekend Pilgrim will open within Liverpool’s new Duke Street Market food hall, having secured a partnership with Graffiti Spirits Group on the show. It will serve a ‘radically seasonal’ menu of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
