The Cinnamon Club is under the helm of Vivek Singh and can be found tucked away inside the Old Westminster Library and just a few steps away from the Houses of Parliament. Our coats were taken on arrival, and we were shown to our table at the rear of the restaurant. Tables are placed well, so thankfully we didn’t have to endure listening to discussions from neighbouring tables.
We loved the high ceilings and character retained from this stunning building, we were surrounded by thousands of books keeping the theme of the library that once occupied the building. The food doesn’t disappoint and the service is faultless. If Indian cuisine is for you, then you must visit The Cinnamon Club, you won’t be disappointed.
We started with pre-dinner cocktails, I decided on the ‘Club Cocktail’, which was mixed with Champagne, Spiced Liqueur, Orange Bitters and Brown Sugar. A lively cocktail, and a splendid way to wake up the palate for the food ahead. My partner sampled the delicious ‘Cinnamon Bellini’, as the name suggests it was packed with Cinnamon flavours, Cinnamon Liqueur, Cinnamon Tea finished with a splash of Prosecco.
“A tale that starts in London and transports you to India.”
We started off by ordering the Bengali style Thermidor with half a Scottish Lobster. The Thermidor was delicious, the flavours were simply outstanding. My partner ordered the Red Kidney Bean Kebab with Puffed Lotus Seed, and Lotus Root Crisp. Another delicious dish, the Lotus Seed and Root Crisp complemented the dish very well.
For our main course we ordered the Roast Saddle of Romney Marsh Lamb with Corn Sauce, Pickled Root Vegetables, complete with Masala Cashew Nuts. A choice I was very happy with, the Pickled Root Vegetables complemented the tender, well-seasoned Lamb. My partner ordered the Seared Rump of Scottish Beef with Fondant Potatoes and Red Wine Sauce. Another well-executed dish, the Beef had been delicately seared to retain the flavour. We added sides of Black Lentils, and Potato Stuffed Paratha. I’m pleased to say we handed back our plates clean after enjoying every mouthful.
To complete our evening, we ordered Baked Jalandhar. A dessert with Thandai, Saffron and Carrot Halwa Ice Cream and Spiced Meringue. A lovely blend of flavours and very satisfying. My partner sampled the Original Beans Dark Chocolate and Rasgolla Tart, with Calamansi and Chilli Sorbet. Another dish with a wide range of flavours, the Chilli was subtle but made a wonderful impact on the dish.
For the wine choice, we enjoyed a bottle of 2013, Domaine des Gravennes, Côtes du Rhône, Marie Louise, France. A dark red, packed with fruit flavours and providing a smooth delivery.
This is a tale that starts in London and transports you to India, we will certainly be returning in the future to sample more dishes from their impressive menu.