Drummond Villa — Restaurant in London

Drummond Villa is a fairly small restaurant on Drummond Street – one of the best known locations for Southern Asian cuisine in London, and within just a few minutes’ walk from Euston and Euston Square Underground stations.

Our table was booked for 1930. On arrival, it was clear that the restaurant was very busy – a great indicator. There was a party of around a dozen, a table of four, a table of three, and a table of two, diners; there was at least one other table further back, but I was unable to discern how many. Consequently, there was a real buzz in the restaurant, and it was quite noisy – generated more by the table of three ladies than the larger group! Fortunately, there was one table for two set aside for us (I was dining with an old school buddy, visiting from Edinburgh) – right next to the dumbwaiter from the kitchens, and the aromas emanating from it each time it was opened were utterly tantalising…

Once the three ladies moved on, the noise level dropped considerably, and – after the large party had departed – just pleasant rumbles of conversation from adjacent tables could be heard, along with reassuring clacks and clatters from the kitchen, downstairs. We were very considerately moved to a larger table once the layout was reset, and the usual upholstered bench style seating was extremely comfortable. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the guide dog lying under the table next to us (a lovely two-and-a-half year old black Lab, by the way) was entirely unperturbed by the hubbub – so much so that I was completely oblivious of its presence, until the table was vacated!

The staff were incredibly attentive, warm, really friendly, and keen to make recommendations from the menu (which includes a Dish of the Day) – both food and wine-wise. They – Riaz and Faisal – were really keen to please, and made the visit all the more enjoyable.

Both Cobra and Kingfisher lagers were available on draught, and the wine list – though fairly limited – covered all bases in terms of spicy food accompaniment. After dinner drinks were very limited – but the restaurant is on the smaller side, after all, and I suspect many diners don’t even bother exploring any further after their main course!

A large screen TV is mounted on the left hand wall of the restaurant, and it constantly streams Southern Asian music videos and film clips. I love this! As a young youngster, I always enjoyed the ubiquitously piped music, which – for me – added to the enjoyment of a decent curry. This took it to the next level, and we both enjoyed the music, and occasionally taking in the visual display.

The food was utterly delicious! Completely greaseless papadams were accompanied by liberally filled bowls of pickles – making that ever-satisfying starter, over which to ponder a full menu. My ravenous fellow diner chose, and completely demolished, the Half Tandoori Chicken with a side of Sag Aloo, while I struggled to finish the very generous portion of the most mouth-watering Chicken Shashlik Masala imaginable; almost half of the dish is now sitting in my fridge, awaiting a renewed attack! The chapatis I chose to accompany my dish were probably the best I have been served – anywhere in Britain.

We left the restaurant utterly replete – we had been extremely well fed and watered – and not at all fazed by the bill, which – by London standards – was pretty reasonable. The bill included a 12.5% service charge, which the staff confirmed is passed on them.

All in all, I thoroughly recommend Drummond Villa, which has instantly become our go-to curry house, when my old school chum heads south...

Where to start with this hidden gem?!

We were seated immediately upon arrival and since we had seen the menu before arriving, we already knew what we wanted to get. To start we were given our poppadoms, drinks and chutney tray very quickly and so began trying the different condiments with them. Absolutely amazing, the achar was one of the best I’ve ever had and mango chutney surprised me as it was my first time trying it! I am obsessed now.

Our meat thali was served soon after and I must add the staff are incredibly kind, they are extremely attentive to customers and 100% seem passionate about their business and providing an amazing atmosphere because I felt like I was having a cozy, home cooked dinner!

The meat thali is definitely the way to go if you want the best of everything, my favourite dishes were the lamb bhuna and chicken masala, not too spicy at all but still retain such an authentic indian curry taste. The naan was incredibly fluffy and had the best texture and it was so good even when simply having a bit of chutney with it!

As I was unwell I was unable to finish all my food but I will be sure to return to try some of their vegetable dishes and biriyani as they do sound very tempting. Overall a wonderful experience and they deserve the 5 stars and more !! Thank you for...

I had the pleasure of dining at Drummond Villa restaurant and I must say, the experience was fantastic. The restaurant offers delicious halal food with authentic Indian flavors that truly impressed me. The authenticity of the Indian flavors was evident in every dish I tried. The spices were well-balanced, creating a symphony of tastes that transported me to the heart of India. The buttery naan bread was the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful curries, and I couldn't get enough of the biryani. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and the origins of the dishes, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Their passion for the food they serve was contagious and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the meal. The ambiance of Drummond Villa was cozy and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for families, friends, or even a solo meal. The decorations and setting added to the feeling of being immersed in Indian culture. I wholeheartedly recommend Drummond Villa to anyone seeking a truly authentic and halal Indian dining experience. The exceptional food, knowledgeable staff, and inviting atmosphere make it a standout choice for those who appreciate the rich and diverse flavors of...