By Katie Wilson
Westminster is a tourist trap known for the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower formerly known as Big Ben and the famous Abbey where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married.
You wouldn’t guess from the outside, but the Grade II listed building that was once The Old Westminster Library has been reimagined as an Indian restaurant. Though pleasingly the books remain, making it a unique setting for lunch or dinner.
It’s easy to walk past The Cinnamon Club on Great Smith Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Westminster Abbey. But those in the know have been visiting this secret spot since it opened more than 20 years ago. And it’s more than worthy of attention still today.
The Cinnamon Club restaurant review
The Cinnamon Club is the brainchild of celebrity chef Vivek Singh – and his flagship restaurant in London. If you haven’t eaten here yet, it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in the UK.
As one of the pioneers who redefined Indian cooking in London and further afield, the menu is a mix of traditional flavours with a Western fine dining twist. Trust us, it’s seriously good.
Think delicately spiced fish that is still full of flavour, like the must-order Scallops with Varhadi Techa Spices, Truffled Potato and Kolhapuri Sauce. Mains come in the form of Bollyflower Cheese, Crusted Halibut on the bone or Clover Smoked Saddle of Lamb, among others, that have all been given a contemporary Indian twist.
The Cinnamon Club caters for all budgets and diets and has a selection of set menus, starting from £38pp for three courses to à la carte, as well as a larger eight-course Signature Tasting Menu (£95pp). There is also a dedicated Vegan Menu and even a Saturday Jazz Brunch.
And they have just launched an even cheaper late night menu, enticingly called Feast After Dark. Available from 9pm every day, it’s just £35pp for four dishes, making it some of the most affordable fine dining in the capital.
Starters include South Indian Stir Fried Shrimps with Curried Yoghurt, Awadhi Lamb Galouti and Tandoori Chicken Breast with Kachri Chutney. For mains choose from the tasty Chicken Rezala, Chargrilled Chalk Stream Trout with Tamarind Sauce and Lemon Rice and Jumbo Morels with Spiced Tofu. The aforementioned scallops and lamb are available too if you pay a supplement.
As with all the food here, desserts are equally good. Choose from delights like Peanut Chikki and Chocolate Marquis with Coffee Sorbet or Mango and Cardamom Kulfi. Round off your meal with an After Dinner Cocktail. They do a great Espresso Martini.
For even more affordable dining, check out The Cinnamon Club’s casual sister restaurants. Cinnamon Kitchen is in the backdrop of the recently redeveloped Battersea Power Station, while the other can be found in the City’s Devonshire Square near Liverpool Street Station. Or pop into the colourful Cinnamon Bazaar (pictured above) in Covent Garden.
Best for: Indian food in London, affordable fine dining, unique setting
The Cinnamon Club at The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU is open Monday to Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm for lunch and 5.30pm to 11pm for dinner
Starters on the à la carte menu start from £9, while mains start from £19
The Cinnamon Club also offers a range of set menus with Lunch and Late Dinner (Feast After Dark) starting from £35pp. Their Early Dinner Menu served from 5.30pm to 6.15pm is £38pp for three courses. The eight-course Signature Tasting Menu starts from £95pp. Add wine pairing from £170pp (total cost)
Book a table at The Cinnamon Club here
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