Following the huge success of her Fitzrovia original, Shrimoyee Chakraborty is to export her unique Bengali home dining concept, Calcutta Street, south of the river.
Located in the heart of Brixton in London, the new restaurant will open in June with a markedly different vibe to that of its sibling.
If Fitzrovia is all about casual dining in a relaxed, cosy and homely atmosphere, much like Shrim’s family home in Kolkata’s Gariahat Road, Brixton, inspired by the rather livelier neighbourhood in which it finds itself, evokes memories of the city’s Park Street of a generation or so ago. Here the crowd would dance to the beat of Pam Crain crooning at Blue Fox in the 1950s, or Usha Uthup at Trincas a decade later.
From the moment guests arrive at Calcutta Street, with its vibrant neon signage, they’ll get a true taste of how Bengalis party back home. Walls will be decorated with handpainted murals, posters featuring iconic works by Bengali film maker, Satyajit Ray, and memorabilia from the notable artists who brought the swing to Park Street. Antique wall lights, ostrich and peacock feathers and palm trees will further add to the atmosphere.
Brixton’s menu will mirror that of Fitzrovia’s, featuring a mixture of street food and main dishes, with new additions including Biryani and Chicken Chaap, a rich Mughlai dish slow-cooked in a creamy poppy seed and cashew nut sauce. The emphasis here will be on smaller plates, at a lower price point than the West End.
Accompanied by an equally irresistible line-up of classic Bengali drinks – including bespoke Shorbot cocktails born on the streets of Calcutta – and a late licence until 1am, every night promises to be party central at Calcutta Street Brixton.
