Housed in the London borough's former fire station, Mathura will be Kochhar’s largest and ‘most ambitious’ restaurant yet seating 200 diners.
The central London site was first mooted in mid-2019 shortly after the former Benares chef launched Kanishka in Mayfair.
Slated to launch on 20 October, Mathura is being billed as a ‘unique fine dining concept’ that connects ‘the cultures and glorious flavours of India and nine of its surrounding countries, including China, Nepal and Sri Lanka’.
“We are not just creating a menu which pays homage to all the fantastic culinary traditions throughout Asia, we are taking a fresh look at the very best that each country has to offer and coming up with a new take on Indian cuisine,” says Kochhar.
“It’s my love story to all the wonderful food I have eaten on my travels, re-interpreted by me and my team to create a truly innovative dining experience in one of the most gorgeous settings you’ll find in London.”
Details of the menu - which Kochhar has co-written with his executive chef Shishir Sinha - have yet to be released but there will be a focus on theatre with a number of dishes flambéed at table.
Set over two floors, Mathura will have a dining area for 60 people with an open kitchen; a destination bar; two private dining rooms, and a chef’s table.
The Grade II listed station was designed in the Free English Baroque style, and many of the original features including the original tiles and fireman’s pole have been retained.
The interior is described a 'rich yet contemporary', reflecting the design influences of the Indian city of Mathura (in Uttar Pradesh), the capital of King Kanishka‘s ancient kingdom.
