This November, Kensington’s much loved Indian restaurant, Zaika, will make a comeback – complete with a new team led by executive chef Sanjay Gour and a revived look to the 120 cover restaurant space.
Replacing One Kensington, Zaika is the sister restaurant to Tamarind of Mayfair – the first ever Indian restaurant to be awarded with a Michelin star – and the Tamarind Collection will be firmly taking the reins on the new restaurant, assuring the level of service and epicurean experience parallels the Tamarind restaurants.
Rahul Khanna, who is responsible for business development within the group, comments; “It is a very exciting time for the Tamarind Collection to be launching the re-imagined Zaika. Sanjay is an extremely talented chef and brings so much life to his cooking and the project as a whole. Alongside Tamarind, the original Zaika was the first Indian restaurant to gain a Michelin star, we hope to recapture its popularity and work towards regaining such accolades.”
The restaurant space, a former banking hall, retains original architectural features such as wood panelled walls, high carved vaulted ceilings and double-height windows offering views over Kensington Palace Gardens. Over 150 pieces of artwork will adorn the walls of Zaika. Banquet and booth seating will be upholstered with taupe leather and spot lights used throughout to offer adjustable lighting from day to night.
The tropics of India will be reflected with an abundance of plants and fresh flowers around the room, including a living wall of greenery which will screen a semi-private 20 cover dining area situated on a raised platform at the front of the restaurant.
The return of Zaika will re-introduce Indian fine-dining to the Kensington area, offering Londoners and tourists a taste of Awadhi cuisine and an introduction to dishes unseen in the Capital alongside gastronomic desserts, premium wines and opulent cocktails.
