The Cinnamon Club
If you love Indian food and all its tantalising flavours, then you simply cannot miss out on a visit to The Cinnamon Club in London.
Nestled in the beating heart of the city, this upscale restaurant offers a unique fusion of traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair and western techniques (think black cardamom brûlée and sesame crisp for dessert!)
What makes this dining experience even more special is its location. The restaurant is housed in the historic, Grade II listed former Westminster Library. No wonder that its elegant and sophisticated ambiance attracts a discerning clientele.
And here is the cherry on top: the restaurant offers exceptional service, which elevates the dining experience even further.
If you’re up for an out-of-this-world Indian dining adventure, this is the place to be.
History of The Cinnamon Club
Iqbal Wahhab, a well-known entrepreneur, and Vivek Singh, a renowned chef, founded The Cinnamon Club in 2001.
From the very beginning, The Cinnamon Club has been on a mission to redefine Indian fine dining in London.
The idea was to provide diners with a distinct blend of bold flavours and creative dishes.
The founders wanted to change the way Brits perceived Indian cuisine (often associated with curries eaten with plastic cutlery on unattractive formica tables), shatter stereotypes about it, and elevate Indian food to an art form.
Thanks to Vivek Singh’s unwavering commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients, the restaurant has crafted a menu that is as diverse as it is unique. Each dish is a masterpiece.
Unsurprisingly, The Cinnamon Club has received countless awards and accolades throughout the years. With each recognition, its reputation as one of London’s best Indian dining experiences has only solidified.
Few restaurants can embody culinary passion and innovation as well as this one.
Architecture and Ambiance
The Cinnamon Club is located in the lovely Old Westminster Library, a Grade II listed historic building.
This majestic edifice, which was opened to the public in 1893, has been meticulously restored. The Cinnamon Club takes up the ground, mezzanine, and basement floors, while the top levels contain residential spaces.
When I first stepped inside the restaurant, I felt as if I had been transported back in time to the Victorian era.
The restaurant’s walls are covered with towering shelves of weathered books. It gives this place an extra layer of warmth and cosiness.
High ceilings, tall windows, and a rich colour palette of deep blues and warm golds create a sumptuous and welcoming atmosphere for diners. Who wouldn’t enjoy their meal in such a setting?
A unique aspect of The Cinnamon Club’s ambience is the live jazz performances typically on Saturdays. The schedule can change, so it’s a good idea to check with the restaurant in advance or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.
Dining experience
While the menu may change periodically to incorporate seasonal ingredients and new creations by the chefs, here are some general types of dishes and menu options that you might find at The Cinnamon Club:
Fusion dishes
Expect to find dishes that fuse Indian and British culinary influences. This could include for example Scottish salmon or halibut, British game meat, or locally sourced produce combined with Indian spices.
Signature Dishes / Specials
The restaurant serves specialty meals well known for their flavour and presentation. These could include classic Indian dishes with a twist or entirely original creations such as Crab Risotto with Truffle Cappuccino and King Prawn.
You can even order some specials with a high level of spiciness (if you dare).
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
There are different vegetarian and vegan options that include anything from tasty plant-based mains featuring an assortment of seasonal vegetables and legumes to a vegan sorbet.
Tasting Menu
A tasting menu is a real culinary journey. It includes canapé, appetiser, first starter, second starter, rest course, first main course, second main course, and dessert. It’s an excellent option if you want to sample a variety of flavours.
Saturday Jazz Brunch Menu
A Saturday Jazz Brunch Menu includes a selection of starters, main courses and desserts to choose from. It is served on Saturdays between 12 pm and 2.30 pm.
Creative Desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu is an absolute highlight. It includes innovative Indian-inspired sweets and desserts. I would give anything for a date and almond burfi!
The Cinnamon Club goes the extra mile to cater to special occasions too. It offers Special Party Menus and seasonal Summer and Autumn Festive Menus. With this variety of options, you’ll never be short of choices.
When I first visited The Cinnamon Club, I ordered Tandoori cauliflower, baked plaice fillet with green mango and coriander sauce, and a delicious ginger toffee pudding dessert with cinnamon ice cream. Despite my Dry January challange, I couldn’t resist a glass of prosecco.
Everything was delicious and prepared to perfection, a true credit to the chef’s exceptional skill.
Renowned Chefs
A group of renowned chefs oversees the Cinnamon Club’s culinary team. Their expertise in Indian cuisine and innovative techniques have elevated the restaurant to a prime destination for fine dining in London.
Vivek Singh is the executive chef and driving force behind The Cinnamon Club. He has gained international recognition through his modern interpretation of traditional Indian dishes, infusing them with local British ingredients.
Rakesh Nair serves as The Cinnamon Club’s Head Chef, working closely alongside Vivek Singh. He has more than two decades of experience in the culinary industry, having worked in renowned hotels and restaurants worldwide. With his technical expertise and knowledge of regional Indian flavours, Rakesh is instrumental in creating the restaurant’s seasonal menus.
Reservations and Special Events
Booking Process
The Cinnamon Club offers a convenient and easy booking process. You can make reservations through their website or by calling the restaurant directly.
You can also indicate special requests, such as dietary restrictions or seating preferences.
Event Hosting
The Cinnamon Club is an excellent choice for hosting special events, whether it be a corporate party, a birthday celebration, or a wedding reception. The restaurant offers several private dining spaces that can accommodate different group sizes and event styles.
Location
The Cinnamon Club is situated within walking distance of key landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, so you can enjoy scenic strolls to and from the dining venue.
Public transport options include nearby Tube stations, such as St. James’s Park, Victoria, and Westminster, each within a 10-minute walk.
For those who prefer to commute by rail or bus, Victoria Station and Victoria Coach Station are also accessible within a 15-minute walk. In addition, numerous bus routes pass through the area, ensuring seamless connectivity to other parts of the city.