The Cinnamon Club — Restaurant in London

A Sensational Indian Fine Dining Experience in a Historic Setting

My wife and I recently enjoyed an unforgettable evening at The Cinnamon Club, and it truly lived up to its reputation as an institution in the world of Indian fine dining. Set in the stunning Grade II-listed former Westminster Library, the venue blends historic elegance with a warm, contemporary dining experience. The high ceilings, original woodwork, and shelves of books create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, a setting that elevates the meal into a complete experience.

From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Every staff member was attentive and welcoming, and a special mention goes to Adil and the lovely Lourdes. Lourdes took the time to show us around the restaurant and share the fascinating history of the building, a gesture that made our visit feel all the more special.

Now to the food, an absolute journey of flavours and spice.

Starters We began with Okra with peanut and jaggery, curried yoghurt, and chilli coconut chutney , a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, with textures that kept every bite interesting.

Alongside this, we enjoyed Grilled king scallops with varhadi techa spices, chutney potato, and Kolhapuri sauce. This is a must-try . The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the bold spices of the Kolhapuri sauce were beautifully balanced.

We also sampled the Tandoori free-range chicken breast with pickling spices and kachri chutney. Juicy, tender, and full of layered flavours, it was a standout in its own right.

Mains For the main course, we shared two sensational dishes. The Grilled jumbo Black Tiger prawns with seafood makhani sauce and rice vermicelli were rich, luxurious, and bursting with flavour. The prawns were meaty and cooked to perfection.

The Clove-smoked saddle of Kentish lamb with aromatic galouti kebab, corn, and yoghurt sauce was equally divine. The clove smoke infused the lamb with a subtle depth, and the galouti kebab practically melted in the mouth.

Sides We paired our mains with Black lentils , creamy and comforting and something far more adventurous: The Bombay Burner. This fiery lamb mince dish, made with ghost chilli, peas, and fenugreek leaf, lives up to its name. When they say hot, they mean hot. It was an explosion of spice and flavour, utterly addictive, even as it challenged my heat tolerance. My mouth wanted more, but my taste buds were begging for mercy.

Desserts To finish, my wife enjoyed the Tutti frutti whipped ganache with saffron pistachio kulfi and paan oil, an elegant, vibrant combination of textures and flavours. Not a crumb or drop was left, which says it all.

I went for the Coconut phirni with pineapple murabba and lime basil sorbet. Refreshing, fragrant, and perfectly balanced, it was the ideal ending to a spice-filled meal. It was so good I didn’t want to share even a spoonful with my wife.

Overall From start to finish, The Cinnamon Club delivered a memorable dining experience that was as much about the setting and service as it was about the exquisite food. The menu showcases Indian flavours in a refined, contemporary way, with creativity and precision in every dish.

If you’re looking for a place that combines history, atmosphere, impeccable service, and a culinary journey of spice and flavour, The Cinnamon Club should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something exceptional, this is a restaurant that will...

The Cinnamon Club: A Love Letter to an Institution

Walking into The Cinnamon Club after a decade-long hiatus felt like reconnecting with an old friend who has only grown wiser and more refined over the years. Nestled in the dignified grandeur of the former Westminster Library, this iconic institution remains a beacon of sophistication and innovation in Indian cuisine—a testament to the vision of Iqbal Wahhab and the culinary brilliance of Vivek Singh.

It is impossible to overstate the role Iqbal played in shaping The Cinnamon Club. Without his bold vision, there would be no Cinnamon Club to speak of, and perhaps no movement to elevate Indian cuisine to the heights of fine dining. When it first opened its doors in 2001, it was a revolutionary concept: an Indian restaurant that fused culinary excellence with the elegance of a library steeped in history. Iqbal’s entrepreneurial spirit and fearless ambition provided the foundation for what would become a landmark institution, paving the way for Indian food to claim its rightful place among the world’s great cuisines.

Iqbal later went on to innovate elsewhere, most notably with the creation of Roast in Borough Market, but his original vision laid the groundwork for The Cinnamon Club’s success. Meanwhile, Vivek Singh, who has remained at the helm, has ensured that the restaurant continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire. Vivek has taken Iqbal’s dream and turned it into a lasting legacy. With his unparalleled skill and dedication, Vivek has transformed the idea of “curry,” elevating it to a culinary art form. His menus are masterpieces, marrying tradition with creativity in ways that continue to surprise and delight.

The location itself is part of its magic. The lofty ceilings, oak-paneled walls, and rows of leather-bound books create an atmosphere of hushed reverence—a perfect marriage of history and modernity. Dining here feels like stepping into a parallel world where time slows down, and every bite is an invitation to reflect on the alchemy of flavor and tradition.

And then there’s the service—a masterpiece in its own right. The staff at The Cinnamon Club seem to embody the same philosophy as the cuisine: warm, deeply knowledgeable, and effortlessly refined. There’s a love for their craft that shines in every interaction, from the thoughtful wine pairings to the way they describe each dish with reverence and precision. They are hosts in the truest sense of the word, and their care turns every meal into a celebration of hospitality.

Returning after a decade, I feared time might have dulled its edge or that my memory had romanticized the experience. But I was wrong. The Cinnamon Club remains as vital and vibrant as ever, a cultural touchstone in a city that moves relentlessly forward. It is not just a restaurant; it is a chronicle of how Indian cuisine has been embraced and reimagined in the heart of London.

Under Vivek Singh’s enduring leadership, The Cinnamon Club continues to inspire not just diners but also chefs and restaurateurs who seek to follow its pioneering spirit. It is more than a meal—it’s a reminder of what happens when tradition and innovation meet with boundless ambition. London’s culinary capital owes much to this beloved institution,...

We left with mixed feelings about the place, but certain that we won't ever return.

We were not welcomed upon arrival and stood in the lobby for a while waiting to be greeted. Then, we were shuffled into the far corner of the restaurant in the worst table which was broken and wobbly.

The waiter tried fixing it and then moved us to a different table with a big sigh and groan. (later, other guests were placed at the broken table. Such tables should be fixed immediately or not in service when the bill is 150 pounds +)

The atmosphere is nice but the tables near the bar are positioned so one guest will be facing the lobby/bar and not the grand hall. The front doors were open the entire time so a cold draft blows into the restaurant. The main library where the majority of tables are has the feeling of a canteen or hotel buffet area because it's eerily quiet except for the sound of cutlery and plates and light chatter. There should be some light music to get rid of this buffet feeling.

The service is good but the tables were not very clean and the tablecloths were creased and messy. Not very fine dining... Also, our small plates for starters were not perfectly clean.

The rattling drink trolleys with cognac and whiskey also seemed like something from 1970.

The restaurant wants to be modern and fresh but the menu was boring, small and old fashioned. The vibe was old fashioned and the food was not modern.

The restaurant has no personality. It wants to be fine dining but it feels a bit pretentious and cheap inside. The result being it is neither fine dining, nor serving delicious food. The clientele seemed to be there for the environment and not for tasty and authentic food.

The food: The paratha was so bland and tasteless and tasted old. The naan breads were definitely old and microwaved and were really bad. The saag paneer was cold but the paneer was very nice. The chutneys were bad and the pea chutney just tasted like English mustard. The chicken Rezala was a dry chicken breast coated in a really bland sauce. The chicken had been marinated and prepared well but tasted old. The side dishes were equally bland and portion size was awful. The okra dish had five pieces of okra. It was a very disappointing evening and the food did not digest well. It was more disappointing knowing that there are MANY other places to eat BETTER food at similar prices. If you are thinking about Indian food in a fine dining environment I would strongly recommend you visit elsewhere because the food at the Cinnamon Club will be a...