Gymkhana London: Insider’s Guide to London’s Iconic Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurant Experience

Gymkhana London has transformed the landscape of Indian dining in the British capital, becoming the first Indian restaurant to achieve the coveted two Michelin stars in February 2024. This iconic establishment blends colonial-era aesthetics with contemporary Northern Indian cuisine, creating an experience that balances traditional flavors with innovative game-based dishes in an atmosphere reminiscent of elite Indian sporting clubs.

Key Takeaways

Gymkhana achieved two Michelin stars in February 2024, making history as London’s first Indian restaurant to reach this milestone
Founded by JKS Restaurants in 2013, Gymkhana has shown remarkable resilience through a devastating fire in 2019 and pandemic challenges
The restaurant offers signature dishes like Kid Goat Methi Keema and Wild Muntjac Biryani that blend traditional Indian flavors with game meats
Five-course tasting menus start at £110, but more accessible lunch options are available from £48
Gymkhana has expanded into retail products, launching Gymkhana Fine Foods in 2023 with sauces and spice blends

A Historic Achievement: London’s First Indian Restaurant with Two Michelin Stars

February 2024 marked a watershed moment for Indian cuisine in London’s fine dining scene. Gymkhana made history by becoming the first Indian restaurant in the city to receive two Michelin stars, an achievement that came after holding a single star since 2014. This recognition coincided with the Michelin Guide’s 50th anniversary, making it even more significant.

Executive chef Siddharth Ahuja received specific praise from the Michelin Guide for creating “exceptional versions of time-honoured classics.” This accomplishment represents the culmination of a decade-long journey, firmly establishing Gymkhana as the pinnacle of Indian fine dining in a city famous for its curry houses and casual Indian eateries.

The Gymkhana Story: Resilience and Expansion

Founded in 2013 by JKS Restaurants, the group led by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi, Gymkhana quickly earned acclaim in London’s competitive dining scene. The restaurant’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A devastating fire in June 2019 forced its closure, but Gymkhana bounced back, reopening in February 2020 – just weeks before the pandemic struck.

Despite these obstacles, the restaurant has thrived and expanded its reach. In 2022, Gymkhana opened its first international location in the Middle East, followed by a second outpost in Riyadh in 2023. This growth demonstrates the global appeal of its concept, which draws inspiration from elite Indian sporting clubs of the British Raj era, known as gymkhanas.

The colonial-inspired theme runs through every aspect of the restaurant, from its menu to its decor, creating an immersive experience that transports diners to a bygone era while keeping the culinary offerings fresh and relevant.

Signature Dishes and Culinary Philosophy

Gymkhana London’s menu strikes a delicate balance between honoring traditional Northern Indian cuisine and introducing innovative elements through the use of game meats. Several standout dishes have become synonymous with the Gymkhana experience:

Kid Goat Methi Keema: Served with pao (buttered bun) and salli (crispy potato sticks)
Wild Muntjac Biryani: Dramatically sealed in a pastry crust and accompanied by pomegranate and mint raita
Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops: Paired with a distinctive walnut chutney

Following the 2020 reopening, chef Jitin Joshi introduced menu innovations that further elevated the dining experience while maintaining the restaurant’s identity. The culinary team excels at creating dishes with bold, chatpatta flavors (the Hindi term for a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory elements) that have earned consistent praise from critics and diners alike.

Dining Options and Pricing: Accessible Luxury

While Gymkhana has earned its reputation for exclusive fine dining, it offers multiple price points to cater to different dining occasions. The five-course tasting menu is priced at £110, with an optional wine pairing for an additional £95. A vegetarian tasting menu is available at £100.

For those seeking a more accessible experience, the lunch menu provides a taste of Gymkhana’s excellence at £48. This tiered approach allows the restaurant to maintain its prestigious status while welcoming a broader clientele.

The beverage program complements the food with thoughtful selections including:

Indian whiskies that pair perfectly with the spice-forward dishes
A special mango IPA created in collaboration with Harbour Brewers
Gin-focused cocktails that provide refreshing counterpoints to rich flavors

For special occasions, Gymkhana offers private dining experiences in two themed vaults featuring distinctive color schemes: one with peach and Kashmiri chili red, and the other with deep ocean blue.

Colonial-Inspired Design and Atmosphere

Walking into Gymkhana feels like stepping into an elegant Indian mansion from the colonial era. The ground floor features a sophisticated jade-green color scheme, while the basement adopts a more dramatic regal red palette. These distinct environments offer different atmospheres while maintaining cohesive design elements.

The restaurant’s authenticity comes through in carefully selected details:

Tasteful taxidermy reminiscent of hunting lodges
Curated Indian artwork adorning the walls
Pierre Jeanerette-inspired furniture adding mid-century elegance

The intimate, dim lighting creates a sense of exclusivity that has attracted celebrity patrons including David Beckham, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran. The 42 Cocktail Lounge, a recent addition to the Gymkhana experience, was shortlisted for the 2024 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, further cementing the establishment’s reputation for exceptional atmospherics.

From Restaurant to Retail: Gymkhana Fine Foods

In October 2023, Gymkhana expanded its brand beyond restaurant walls with Gymkhana Fine Foods, initially launching exclusively at Whole Foods Market UK. This retail line has since expanded to premium retailers including Ocado, Selfridges, and Harrods.

The product range includes cooking sauces, marinades, chutneys, and spice blends that allow home cooks to recreate signature Gymkhana flavors. Standout products include the Chandni Chowk Butter Chicken Sauce and the Lucknowi Galouti Kebab Spice Blend.

The retail expansion received financial backing from CAVU Consumer Partners, signaling strong growth potential. Four products from the line earned stars in the Great Taste Awards 2024, validating the quality and authenticity of these retail offerings.

Awards, Accolades and Critical Perspectives

Gymkhana’s trophy cabinet began filling early when it was named National Restaurant of the Year in 2014, just a year after opening. This early recognition set the tone for a decade of accolades culminating in the two Michelin stars achievement.

Critical reception has been largely positive, though not without nuance. A 2024 review by GourmandGunno highlighted service delays despite excellent food quality, reflecting the challenges of maintaining consistent excellence at such a high-profile establishment.

The restaurant’s influence extends beyond its own success – Gymkhana has served as a blueprint for other successful ventures by JKS Restaurants, including Brigadiers, Bibi, and Hoppers. Each of these establishments shares Gymkhana’s commitment to quality while offering distinct dining concepts.

For anyone seeking an authentic yet refined Indian dining experience in London, Gymkhana stands as the ultimate destination that lives up to its reputation. While the price point may be a consideration for some diners, the lunch menu offers a more accessible entry point to experience what makes gymkhana London truly special in the city’s competitive dining landscape.