Opening of Flora Indica bar-restaurant delayed and chef changed
The opening of a new British-Indian bar and restaurant in London's Old Brompton Road has been delayed, the chef changed, and the menu re-designed from the original plans.
The 100-cover Flora Indica, which has been inspired by the 1855 Indian plant catalogue of the same name, was originally announced as opening in October this year, but this has now been revised to 26 November.
The chef, originally reported as former Gymkhana chef Suresh Pillai, will now be former Benares chef Sameer Taneja, who achieved a Michelin star while working at the Atul Kochhar site. Taneja's career has also included roles alongside Michel Roux, Pierre Koffmann and Pascal Proyart.
Typical dishes from the newly-appointed chef will feature a mix of classically-British ingredients and Indian-style influences, such as juniper and cardamom-spiced Blythburgh free range pork chop; Bramley apple curry and kutchumber; spiced Gressingham duck and orange gel; Shetland black potato, organic chickpeas and wheat puffs; and sweet naan of Colston Bassett stilton, figs, quince jelly and fennel cress.
The drinks menu will include a host of botanical cocktails, such as Ginger Lily (with gin, ginger root, the plant zingiber officinale, ginger beer, fresh lime juice and orange bitters) and Highland Groove (Scotch, apple juice, cinnamon and mint), together with a selection of malt whisky and craft beer made by the Portobello Brewery. There will also be a punch and gin bar, and a wide range of teas.
Décor has been created by Henry Chebaane by Blue Sky Hospitality, directly inspired by the 1855 catalogue, British botanists who travelled to India in the 19th century, the steampunk movement, 1960s-era British fashion, and traditionally-elegant Kensington design. There will also be an art installation named "G.H.O.S.T", spreading across two floors, inspired by 19th century science.
Flora Indica to open with Gymkhana's Suresh Pillai as head chef >>
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