Benares

Atul Kochhar, the Chef/Patron of Benares is one of the most critically acclaimed chefs in Britain; he was the first ever Indian chef to win a coveted Michelin Star and has received numerous awards and accolades during his career.

He has been instrumental in changing the perception of Indian food in Britain with his boldly flavoured contemporary cooking; this is strongly reflected in the menu at Benares, which demonstrates Atul's extensive research as it incorporates dishes from all parts of India.

Benares has achieved quite some distinction in the short time that it has been open; it was nominated as Best Indian Restaurant at the Hotel and Restaurant Magazine Awards in 2003, as well as best designed restaurant by FX magazine.

It is named after the spiritual city of Benares in Northern India, and Atul has taken great efforts to translate the beauty and vibrancy of that city into his restaurant. The hand crafted Indian furniture and water pools scattered throughout it remind one of the ambience of the city.

Highlights of the menu include: pan fried chickpeas and spinach cakes served with tomato and garlic chutney is a starter that takes its inspiration from the North; tiger prawns with raw mango and coconut sauce from Kerala in the South; marathi nalli gosht, a speciality of lamb shanks with coriander and red chillies, this originates from Bombay in West India.

Benares offers a two course set lunch for only £14.95, there is also a tasting menu in the evening at £37 for four courses; whilst in addition you can enjoy a pre-theatre meal for £17.95.

They also have a selection of private dining rooms: The Bruton Room (seating 22), The Dover Room (capacity 10) and finally The Berkeley Room (26); while the whole restaurant can be made available for private hire. These rooms are also suitable for small drinks parties, theatre style conferences or product launches; their stand alone bar area can also accommodate 40 seated and approximately 100 standing.

Jan Moir in The Telegraph said: "Benares is notable for the outstanding quality of the ingredients that the kitchen uses and the abundance with which they are served."

In 2007 Benares achieved the distinction of gaining a star for the first time in the Michelin Guide, which it retained in 2008.

For more information, view their Website.