The Cinnamon Club represents a landmark in London's culinary scene, successfully elevating Indian cuisine to fine dining status while maintaining authentic flavors. Established in 2001 by restaurateur Vivek Singh, this Westminster institution has consistently ranked among London's top Indian restaurants, earning widespread critical acclaim and a loyal following among both locals and international visitors seeking exceptional culinary experiences.
Historical Significance and Unique Setting
What truly distinguishes the cinnamon club london experience is its extraordinary location. The restaurant occupies the Grade II listed Old Metropolitan Police Court building, constructed in 1888. This historic Westminster building served as a functioning police station until the late 20th century, and careful restoration has preserved many original architectural features while transforming the space into an elegant dining venue.
Visitors enter through what was once the police station's main entrance, passing through spaces that previously housed cells, courtrooms, and administrative offices. The main dining room occupies the former police station's exercise yard, now covered by a stunning glass roof that floods the space with natural light during the day while creating an intimate atmosphere in the evening.
Culinary Philosophy and Menu Highlights
Under Executive Chef Vivek Singh's leadership, the cinnamon club restaurant has developed a distinctive culinary identity that honors traditional Indian cooking while incorporating modern techniques and presentation. The menu features carefully sourced ingredients, many imported directly from India, prepared with precision and artistic flair.
Signature dishes include:
| Dish Name | Key Ingredients | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops | New Zealand lamb, Kashmiri spices | Marinated 24 hours, cooked in traditional tandoor |
| Goan Crab Cakes | Fresh crab, coconut, curry leaves | With mango chutney and lime aioli |
| Wild Mushroom and Truffle Biryani | Assorted wild mushrooms, black truffle | Basmati rice cooked with saffron and rose water |
The restaurant's tasting menus offer an excellent introduction to modern indian cuisine london enthusiasts, with options ranging from five to eight courses that showcase seasonal ingredients and regional Indian specialties reinterpreted with contemporary sophistication.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Visiting the cinnamon club provides more than just a meal—it's a complete sensory experience. The interior design thoughtfully blends the building's historic elements with contemporary Indian aesthetics. Original police station features like cell doors and architectural details have been incorporated into the decor, creating a space that tells the building's story while providing an elegant dining environment.
The main dining room's high ceilings and large windows create an airy atmosphere during daytime service, while evening dining transforms the space with carefully calibrated lighting that highlights both the food and the historic architecture. The restaurant maintains a sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere appropriate for both special occasions and business dining.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
Over its two-decade history, The Cinnamon Club has earned numerous accolades that cement its position in london's top indian restaurants. These include:
- Consistent inclusion in the London Evening Standard's Top 1000 Restaurants
- Multiple AA Rosettes for culinary excellence
- Featured in The Michelin Guide since 2003
- Named "Indian Restaurant of the Year" by Curry Life magazine
- Regular appearances on Condé Nast Traveler's recommended dining lists
What sets The Cinnamon Club apart from other indian fine dining london establishments is its commitment to culinary innovation while respecting traditional techniques. Chef Singh's approach has influenced an entire generation of Indian chefs in the UK, helping to elevate perceptions of Indian cuisine beyond the standard curry house offerings.
Planning Your Visit
For those considering visiting the cinnamon club london, several practical details will enhance your experience:
- Location: 23 Princes Street, Westminster, London SW1P 2NE (near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament)
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for weekend dining or during peak tourist seasons
- Dress code: Smart casual (jackets recommended for men but not required)
- Price range: £££-££££ (Main courses £22-£36, tasting menus from £75 per person)
- Best time to visit: Weekday evenings offer a more relaxed atmosphere; weekend brunch provides an excellent introduction to the menu
The restaurant offers both à la carte and tasting menu options, with vegetarian and vegan adaptations available for most dishes. Wine pairings curated by their knowledgeable sommelier team complement the spice profiles of the Indian cuisine exceptionally well, creating harmonious flavor combinations that might surprise those unfamiliar with Indian food and wine pairings.
Why The Cinnamon Club Matters to London's Culinary Landscape
Beyond being merely a restaurant, The Cinnamon Club represents an important evolution in how British diners perceive Indian cuisine. When it opened in 2001, fine dining Indian restaurants were virtually nonexistent in London. Most Indian dining options fell into two categories: casual curry houses or more formal but traditional establishments.
The Cinnamon Club broke this mold by presenting Indian food with the same level of culinary sophistication, presentation, and ingredient quality expected at other top London restaurants regardless of cuisine. This approach helped pave the way for the current renaissance of Indian fine dining in the UK, inspiring numerous other establishments to elevate their approach to Indian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cinnamon Club located in an actual former police station?
Yes, The Cinnamon Club is housed in the beautifully restored Old Metropolitan Police Court building constructed in 1888. The restaurant maintains many original architectural features from its days as a functioning police station, including cell doors and courtroom elements that have been incorporated into the dining space design.
What makes The Cinnamon Club different from other Indian restaurants in London?
The Cinnamon Club distinguishes itself through its combination of historic setting, innovative approach to Indian cuisine, and fine dining presentation. While respecting traditional Indian cooking techniques and flavors, the restaurant elevates the experience with modern presentation, carefully sourced ingredients, and a sophisticated atmosphere that has helped redefine perceptions of Indian fine dining in London.
Do I need to make reservations at The Cinnamon Club well in advance?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekend dining, holiday periods, or if you're planning a special occasion. The restaurant typically books up 2-4 weeks in advance for prime dining times. You can make reservations through their official website or by phone, with same-day reservations occasionally available for weekday lunch service.
Does The Cinnamon Club offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, The Cinnamon Club offers an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes and can accommodate vegan requests with advance notice. Their tasting menus typically include dedicated vegetarian options, and the kitchen staff is experienced in adapting dishes to meet dietary requirements while maintaining the integrity of the flavors.
What is the price range at The Cinnamon Club?
The Cinnamon Club falls in the upper-mid to high price range for London dining. À la carte main courses typically range from £22-£36, with tasting menus starting at £75 per person. While not the most expensive restaurant in London, it represents a special occasion dining experience with pricing that reflects the quality of ingredients, culinary expertise, and historic setting.
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