Capital & Counties Properties PLC (‘Capco’) announces that acclaimed Indian restaurant Darjeeling Express has agreed terms to open new fine dining and all-day deli concept in Covent Garden in autumn 2020.
Darjeeling Express started as a dinner for 12 guests at home, serving Indian food lovingly cooked from family recipes that go back generations. Having initially opened in Kingly Court in 2017, founder Asma Khan is expanding to a larger site, complete with the all-women team who runs the kitchen at Darjeeling Express.
The new concept will see Darjeeling Express offer an all-day casual dining deli menu, including takeaway options and daily specials. The ‘Railway Menu’ is inspired by the all-day breakfast available in train stations in India. In mid-October, Darjeeling Express will launch three tasting menus for the first time, including a vegan menu and a Biryani tasting menu, plus a Sunday brunch which will be available for walk-ins.
Asma Khan, Founder of Darjeeling Express said: “We are really excited to move to our new home in a stunning Grade II listed flagship restaurant site to expand and continue the Darjeeling Express journey. Our story has been an unconventional one from the start - the move to Covent Garden is not just a celebration for our team - it is an affirmation for every individual that you belong anywhere and everywhere - there are no barriers to where your passion and teamwork can take you. We started small but our dreams were always big.
On a personal note - I made my family bring me to Covent Garden on the first day of my first visit to London. I was aged 15 and was totally mesmerised by the space - when I told my mother I had got a new restaurant site in Covent Garden - she sent me a picture she had taken of me with my sister and a flower girl in Covent Garden on my first day in London in 1984.”
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director, Capco Covent Garden said: “We passionately believe in bringing high quality dining and unique experiences to Covent Garden and Darjeeling Express’s fresh and creative approach to food, driven by Asma’s energy, passion and values, which also champions an all-women workforce is the perfect fit. We are thrilled to be partnering together, bringing a unique homegrown brand to our iconic estate, joining global and independent concepts which include The Oystermen, Din Tai Fung, and Sushi Samba amongst others and enhancing Covent Garden’s reputation as one of the best places to eat out.”
The opening of Darjeeling Express enriches Covent Garden’s position as one of London’s best foodie destinations. With an unparalleled offering of international cuisines, Darjeeling Express will join established Covent Garden eateries including Frenchie, SushiSamba, Din Tai Fung, The Oystermen, Balthazar, The Ivy Market Grill, Laduree and many others. Darjeeling Express will also soon be joined by the newest restaurant opening from the Big Mamma Group.
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