Gymkhana

Located at 42 Albemarle Street in Mayfair, Gymkhana opened in 2013 as part of the JKS Restaurants group founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi. Drawing inspiration from the exclusive colonial-era gymkhana clubs of India—social hubs for dining, drinking, and sport—the venue reimagines that heritage with refined Indian cuisine using seasonal British ingredients. It earned its first Michelin star in 2014 and a second in 2024, becoming one of the few Indian restaurants worldwide to hold two stars. The focus remains on bold North Indian flavors with tandoor-grilled specialties, curries, biryanis, and chaat, earning consistent acclaim for depth and balance. In London’s crowded fine dining landscape, Gymkhana appeals to groups seeking shared feasts, including bachelor parties that value its convivial setup before heading to West End spots.

The two-level space evokes Raj-era sophistication. The ground floor uses jade green tones, polished dark timber, ceiling fans, and oak booths for a residential feel reminiscent of Kolkata mansions. Descend the mirrored staircase to the lower ground, where peach and Kashmiri red accents, hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur, and a central brass bar create a punch-house vibe. Private vaults seat 10-16 for secluded gatherings. Lighting stays low and warm, with conversation levels building from calm lunches to lively dinners. Staff provide informed guidance on sharing and spice levels, pacing service to suit extended meals.

The menu emphasizes family-style plates. Starters feature aloo chaat with cold potato and tamarind or chicken tikka samosas. Tandoori highlights include masala lamb chops (around £40-45), marinated in spices and grilled to succulent perfection with walnut chutney. Curries showcase chicken butter masala or kid goat methi keema with fenugreek depth. The wild muntjac biryani stands out—game meat layered with rice, sealed and baked, served with pomegranate raita (part of tasting menus). Vegetarian options span paneer tikka or seasonal vegetable curries. Desserts include cardamom kheer with mango. Tasting menus offer comprehensive journeys, while lunch sets provide accessible entry.

A three-course lunch set runs around £68, à la carte dinners average £140 per person including drinks, and tasting menus reach £120-150, reflecting premium sourcing and execution among London’s Indian restaurants. Cocktails fuse spices with spirits, starting £18-22.

Direct bookings are available online at gymkhanalondon.com (all availability shown there), or by phone at +44 (0) 20 3011 5900. Tables release months ahead and fill quickly.

Myrsvp.com specializes in VIP table reservations at exclusive London venues like Gymkhana, securing prime booths or vaults when standard slots vanish. Tailored for bachelor parties, we arrange packages with transport, customized menus, or connections to nearby nightlife. Among Mayfair’s upscale choices, Gymkhana delivers layered flavors in club-like surroundings—book directly or via myrsvp.com for assured access.