When the founder of a restaurant is a twice Michelin-starred chef, you can bet the food will be remarkable. So, it’s little surprise that Atul Kochhar’s new venture, Mathura, which opened on October 20, offers world-class food. Literally. The restaurant’s menu draws on the flavours and traditions from 10 different countries, offering a unique experience that will transport you around the globe.
The carefully considered menu unites key ingredients and traditions from India, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar, showcasing a spectacular combination of flavours. Championing Indian-style dishes with these international twists, the menu features vegetable and meat dishes that zing. We particularly recommend the Newari Bandel Choila (crispy Iberico pork belly, served with apple and fermented garlic). If you really feel like splashing out though, there’s a 24-carat gold Yorkshire Wagyu fillet, served with herbs, kidney beans, kufte rize. It’ll set you back around £85, but it’s tastier than a ring (and cheaper than Salt Bae’s gold steak offering). The chefs’ desserts really are their crowning glory though; the dark chocolate and orange cannoli, walnut ganache, caramel, and baked cream is a true highlight. Looking for something a little lighter? You’re sure to fall head over heels for the passionfruit love cake.
When it comes to the drinks, you can expect just as much thought and precision of flavour as demonstrated by the food menu. The Mathura mixologist has curated a series of cocktails, each inspired by one of the 10 countries, and using a fruit, herb or shrub that hails from the country in question. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available.
It’s not just the food and drinks that celebrate cultural heritage. Mathura is spread across two floors at the Westminster Fire Station, built in 1906. The beautiful building still retains some of its original features, like its watch room, which is one of only two still existing today. This room was once constantly attended and where alarms would ring out; today, you can enjoy private dining under a glittering chandelier. Winston Churchill once rang the fire bell in the watch room, and Mathura’s menu features a cocktail in his honour. For a larger group, but just as private experience, King Kanishka’s State Room will wow up to 22 of your nearest and dearest.
If you’ve no reason to privately dine – though we advocate any big or small occasion being worthy of such grandeur – there are a few other dining spaces for you to choose from. There is the main dining area, an intimate bar (named ‘1906’ in the fire stations honour and situated next to the original firemans’ pole), and the Chef’s Table. The latter, numbered 888, a number of great fortune, overlooks the kitchen for a wonderful show cooking experience, and has its own menu.
Mathura is open daily with two sittings, making it ideal for a fancy lunch time jaunt, or an all-together indulgent evening.