Vineet Bhatia Launches New London Venture

THE Michelin-star chef behind one of London`s most renowned Indian restaurants is preparing to expand his empire.

Vineet Bhatia, the man behind Rasoi, is getting ready to launch his biggest and most expensive restaurant in London’s Notting Hill this month.

Originally due to open in November but delayed after planning issues, Urban Turban will be a 132 cover restaurant, with Satish Shenoy as Head Chef in charge of the team.

Unlike its more formal big sister, Urban Turban will be a casual affair, serving Indian street food, tapas style dishes and cocktails.

The restaurant features a volcanic rock used for cooking all the meat, and dishes will include grilled gunpowder prawns with spring onion and lemon; sword fish poached in a curry leaf & ginger-infused coconut sauce; and green pea rolls crusted with cashew nuts with herb chutney.

The restaurant is owned by Bhatia and his wife Rashima.

“Its 100% ours,” said Bhatia. “It’s a big bold move for us but after three and half years we felt that Rasoi was established enough for us to try something new.

"If it’s successful, we’ll open more Urban Turban sites around London.”