Vivek Singh has given us another reason to visit the rapidly developing Battersea Power Station. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Cinnamon Kitchen, Devonshire Square and the latest location to open within the portfolio of modern Indian restaurant group; Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea epitomises Vivek Singh’s signature contemporary Indian blend.
Located under the railway arches, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea has adapted to its space accordingly. Stylish new furnishings set against exposed brick reflect the brand’s modern concept however maintaining the feel of an individual new space with many new dishes unique to the restaurant.
The polished bar draws diners in for pre and post dinner cocktails. Award-winning mixologist Tony Conigliaro is responsible for the bar menu and is inspired by the dishes found on the Mumbai Jaipur Pink City Express train route. The barman recommends the ‘Mango Sour’ with triple sec, Havana rum and lime – whilst my guests select the ‘Indian Gin & Tonic’ that Tony Conigliaro has infused with allspice with a fenugreek & black mustard gin.
Distinctive cocktails inspired by fire, ice and spice include the Coconut Kir, which is a twist on the traditional Kir Royale made with toasted coconut liqueur and champagne. Other Conigliaro concoctions include the Vodka Chaas – a vodka spiced version of the classic Indian drink ‘Chaas’ made with lemon juice and yoghurt; the Mezal Verdita, an Indian take on Mexican Sangrita using mezcal and tomato verdita and the Assam Manhattan, blended with Assam black tea, vermouth and a touch of black cardamom.
Instead of sticking to an authentic concept, when it comes to the food, Vivek and his team have created a stand-out menu that breaks the rules for an Indian dining experience far beyond Korma or Tikka Masala. Mirroring the surroundings of the railway arch whilst balancing laid-back sophistication – signature dishes include Malabar mussels and date pickle on toasted brioche with curried yoghurt and Kerala spiced lobster soup with flamed cognac. Prepared from the open theatre kitchen, is the fragrant clove smoked lamb rump with fennel, saffron rice and nutmeg sauce and king prawns in Bengali turmeric curry with ghee rice. Several vegetarian and vegan options feature too. Choose from pink aubergine with sesame, tamarind and peanut crumble; and Bharwan courgette filled with spiced vegetable ratatouille.
Vivek Singh and his team bring Indian food up to speed to meet London’s demanding and ever-developing culinary scene. A new restaurant that brings with it the success of the other popular restaurants within the group, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea also settles itself into its new positon in Circus Village West with minimalist industrial décor to complement the stark backdrop of the historic Power Station.
Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea: Battersea Power Station, 4 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB, www.cinnamon-kitchen.com/battersea, 020 3955 5480
