The Great Indian — Restaurant in London

The Great Eastern: A Dimly Lit Dilemma

The Great Eastern presents itself as a gastropub, but in reality, it leans more heavily towards the restaurant experience. Stepping inside, you're immediately enveloped in a dimly lit, almost cavernous space dominated by dark wood. It's atmospheric, perhaps, but not exactly bright and airy. One thing to note: some of the high-top tables are alarmingly wobbly – definitely avoid these if you value the structural integrity of your meal.

Adding another layer to the experience, The Great Eastern is pet-friendly. While this will be a plus for some, be prepared for the potential symphony of barks, squeals, and general canine exuberance that might accompany your dining experience. It certainly adds character, though perhaps not the kind everyone seeks in a relaxed meal. Conveniently, parking is available outside and adjacent to the restaurant. However, be aware that daytime parking incurs a fee. Free parking is generally available after 18:30 or 19:00 (check local signage). Alternatively, it's a 13-minute walk from Archway station or an 8-minute stroll from Holloway Road Overground station.

Now, let's talk about the food. My culinary journey began with the Chili-Mango Lotus Crisps & Okra. They were pleasant enough, offering a nice crunch and a touch of spice, but nothing particularly groundbreaking compared to similar offerings at other Indian restaurants.

The Chicken Pot Stickers (dumplings) were unremarkable – clearly not made in-house and lacking any distinctive flavour.

For the main course, I opted for the TGI's Butter Chicken (Tandoor Chicken). It was a decent rendition, but lacked the rich, buttery depth and complex flavour profile of a truly exceptional Butter Chicken (think Gymkhana's version). I had hoped to try the Poussin Butter Chicken, but it was unfortunately sold out.

The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the Degh Dal Makhani. The 48-hour soaking and marination process clearly paid off, resulting in a creamy, flavourful, and deeply satisfying lentil dish. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately, the Butter Parantha was a bit of a letdown. It wasn't flaky or buttery enough for my liking. The Steamed Rice was, well, steamed rice – plain and unspiced.

Service started off slow, requiring some effort to flag down a host. However, a gentleman named Othman stepped in and provided excellent service for the remainder of my meal. A special shout-out to him – he deserves recognition for turning the experience around.

Would I recommend a second visit? I'm on the fence. Perhaps with a group, or to explore other dishes on the menu. The pricing is in line with other Indian restaurants in the area.

In short, The Great Eastern offers a mixed bag. The Dal Makhani is a must-try, but other dishes fell short. The ambiance is dark and moody, the pet-friendly policy is a double-edged sword, and the wobbly high-top tables are a definite no-go. If you're in the area and craving Indian food, it's worth considering, but manage your expectations and hope you get Othman as...

As an Indian it’s not everyday you come across an Indian that has it ALL! When you are immediately greeted with a big smile & a warm welcome, you know you’re in for a good night. It set the tone for the evening, & throughout the meal, the team checked in on us regularly to make sure our drinks & food were just right & that we had everything we needed. The place was buzzing, so I’d definitely recommend booking. The quality of ingredients was evident in every bite especially the meats and paneer. For starters, we had the lotus chips, which were a unique & interesting twist, definitely something different. The chilli paneer was the softest paneer I’ve had, & the flavour was spot on. The prawn dosa was absolutely delicious, full of flavour, & the coconut chutney it came with was perfection with that fresh tadka on top for extra texture. I could have easily ordered another one. The smoked poppadoms (a must try) were a total surprise & a standout highlight. I wouldn’t have thought to order these, but wow, so glad we did. They came with the Tiranga chutney, which was brilliant. Three layers of varying chutneys, each one rich, fresh, & packed with real flavour, not the usual watery versions you find elsewhere. We took our time & added a mid-course. The corn seekh was another pleasant surprise. The presentation was stunning, & the flavours were spot on. The lamb chops, were soooooo good melt-in-the- mouth perfection & worth every penny, they were thick, with plenty of meat on them!

For mains, we had the paneer tikka, which was delicious. The butter chicken was tender, rich, & full of flavour. The dal had great taste. The millet roti, though something I wouldn’t normally go for, turned out to be a favourite. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it even more than the naan. For dessert, we had the gulab jamun with rabdi. Individually, both were lovely, but as a combination, it wasn’t my personal preference. The gulab jamun was perfectly sweet, while the rabdi was milder & creamier. I would rather have them separately. The doi was the best I’ve ever had but again with a twist, so good, with a lovely crunch on top & blueberries. I could eat one right now, or even two. My friends never order dessert, but they tried this and loved it and ended up sharing it! The cocktails were simply beautiful. Fresh, well-balanced, & properly alcoholic, not overloaded with ice, artificial syrups, or excessive sugar. Each one was packed with real flavour, making them an absolute treat. They were so good that I don’t think I could manage too many. The service was warm, attentive, & genuinely made the experience feel special. I’ve been to plenty of well-known Indian restaurants like Dishoom & Mowgli, but this was on another level. The menu is unique, the ingredients are top-notch, & the experience was absolutely memorable. You’re now my No.1 Indian restaurant. That caters really well for veg & non veg dishes! Thank you for an incredible evening of food can’t wait...

The Great Indian – A Local Gem Redefined

Nestled in the heart of the community, The Great Indian has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a traditional pub into an exquisite fine-dining destination. Under the visionary guidance of award-winning Chef Jolly, this establishment now delivers a Michelin-star standard experience, offering a contemporary take on Indian cuisine while preserving the warmth and familiarity of a beloved local.

From the moment you step in, the ambiance speaks volumes—a far cry from the old, worn-out boozer it once was. The space is now a stylish yet cozy gastro-pub, blending modern elegance with comfort. The staff exude the renowned Indian hospitality, making every guest feel like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

The Menu – A Culinary Masterpiece

Chef Jolly’s meticulously curated menu is a celebration of finely balanced flavors—an innovative approach to Indian classics that respects tradition while embracing modernity. My advice? Sample everything.

Start your experience with their signature house cocktails, where classic drinks are reimagined with Indian-inspired flavors. The Tamarind Margarita with Black Sea Salt is a tangy, bold delight, while the Cardamom Espresso Martini offers a rich, aromatic twist on the beloved classic.

The main courses are an exploration of depth, spice, and technique, perfectly executed with high-quality ingredients and contemporary finesse. Each dish feels both comforting and exciting, a rare balance that speaks to the chef’s expertise.

Dessert – Pure Bliss

Save room for dessert. The baked yoghurt caramel crunch, served in a Kilner jar, is light yet indulgent, a textural masterpiece that feels guilt-free (but honestly, who’s counting when it tastes this good?). Yogurt in my world equals health, so let’s call it a win.

Vibes & Atmosphere

The music selection is another standout feature. Instead of the typical sitar background music, The Great Indian offers a fresh, funky South Asian indie playlist—a refreshing change that adds to the restaurant’s modern, stylish appeal.

A Community-Driven Success

Beyond the food and atmosphere, what makes The Great Indian truly special is its soul. Chef Jolly hasn’t just created a menu—he’s built a team that takes pride in every aspect of the experience, from the mixologists to the kitchen brigade and even the bottle washers. There’s a genuine sense of camaraderie that radiates through every interaction.

With weekend lunches that are already the talk of the town, securing a booking might require some patience—but trust me, it’s well worth the wait.

Final Verdict

If you love Indian cuisine, The Great Indian is a must-visit. If you think you know Indian food, be prepared to have your expectations shattered—in the best possible way. Eat local, support local, and indulge in one of the finest dining...