Like the flowers in its verdant Royal Parks, once the summer sun breaks through the grey clouds looming over London for much of the year, the city blooms and flourishes.
Plus, with longer days come longer nights, and Londoners are surely taking advantage of them, as are restaurants such as The Cinnamon Club.
Nestled in the historic Grade II listed Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club, opened by Executive Chef Vivek Singh in March 2001, has revolutionized Indian fine dining in the United Kingdom. With his talented brigade of chefs, Singh crafted and executes his menus drawing from the vibrant and extensive flavor profiles of India’s diverse regions.
With meticulous presentation and a commitment to fresh, seasonal produce, guests embark on a gastronomic experience that challenges the palate while being introduced to new, refined interpretations of traditional Indian cuisine.
Reflective of its Westminster Library location, the interiors boast book-lined shelves, traditional wood paneling, vaulted ceilings, and contemporary furnishings. The best tables are those along the perimeter of the main dining room, adjacent to the sweeping bookshelves with light blue banquette seating.
Normally, any reservation is recommended, though diners will not want to miss the special “Feast After Dark” menu. From 9 PM through 11 PM every day of the week except Sunday, The Cinnamon Club serves an approachable fine-dining menu (just £35 per person) featuring four delicious dishes that fuse the spices of the subcontinent with the finest British ingredients.
Starters include Awadhi lamb galouti with saffron sheermal and smoked paprika raita and grilled Scottish scallops with varhadi techa spices, truffled potato, and Kolhapuri sauce.
Before indulging in the main event, cleanse the palate with rhubarb and ginger sorbet. Entrees include Chicken Rezala (tandoori chicken breast, poppy, screwpine sauce, and pilau ric); Alleppey-style shrimp curry with green mango, coconut, and steamed rice; and Shahi Paneer (tandoori paneer tikka, spinach malai fota, smoked korma sauce, and pilau rice) with sides for the table including black lentils and a selection of tandoori loaves of bread.
Desserts arrive in the form of coconut phirni with pineapple murraba and lime basil sorbet, as well as a black cardamom brûlée.
The Cinnamon Club was among the pioneers in pairing wine with spice, guide by wine expert Laurent Chaniac. Their wine lists hosts over 200 selections, including rarate vintages from around the world. Elevate the evening with premium pairings, or choose from signature cocktails and classics with a twist, alongside a gin trolley with small-batch gins and well-known brands. The Club also offers an expansive list of fine and rare whiskies.
For a truly exquisite meal in a storied setting, visit The Cinnamon Club during your next jaunt in The Old Smoke.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Westminster, London
Address: The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St, London SW1P 3BU, United Kingdom
Cuisine: Modern Indian
Price Point: $$$$
Takes Reservations: Yes – OpenTable
The vibe: Enjoy modern renditions of traditional Indian fare within a renowned library setting in Westminster.
Our favorite thing on the menu: The Awadhi lamb galouti is Executive Chef Singh’s take on a mega-famous lamb dish quite literally fit for royalty. Do not miss the wine pairing.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Lunch: Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM; Early Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM; Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 8:45 PM; Feast After Dark (Late Dinner): Monday to Saturday, 9 PM – 11 PM; Jazz Brunch: Saturdays from 12 PM to 2:30 PM.
