Dockmaster's House London Review
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The wind, oh the wind. I was feeling a little swept away by the time I reached Dockmaster’s House, so was relieved to have a warm welcome as I ‘docked’. Although not aptly named, Dockmaster’s claim to fame is its unique ‘Indian fine dining’, and with the inspiration of Indian-born chef, Navin Bhatia, the menu, and indeed the whole restaurant (which was formerly a curry house), has been totally reformed in recent years.
Dockmaster’s is anything but Bollywood-styled vibrant colours mirrored by gold framing. No, this is sleek, simple, and very contemporary with subtle, stylish colours discreetly seducing you into comfort.
It was cosy inside and since my guest was late, the staff graciously whipped me away into the bar-cum-waiting room where a courteous waiter brought me a cocktail menu. The manager also came out to greet me, and I immediately sensed her clean cut manner tinged with porcelain perfectionism. I was in good hands.
Now, I love gin, and very soon hankered after a refreshing, clear cocktail. I was dismayed, however, to be presented with a drink that resembled murky water with a cherry at the bottom of the glass. I could see the cherry through the haze, and was looking forward to finishing the drink to get at it, but my perception of gin has now been somewhat tainted (hopefully, only temporarily).
Despite this minor hinderance, the drinks menu was astonishingly eclectic and for those who might fancy themselves as a sommelier, there is a range of 200 wines to choose from. Plus, if spirits are more your poison, there are some amazing whiskies and scotches dating back between 10 and 30 years: impressive.
My guest finally arrived and we were ushered into the main dining room. It felt somewhat as though we were walking through a thoroughfare, since the main restaurant is situated at the back of the building through a separate dining room designed for larger groups. Once inside the main restaurant, however, I easily understood why.
Our table was set in a glass room, overlooking the lights of Canary Wharf. The ceiling and walls invoked a sense of crystal freshness while simultaneously brewing a snug ambience. The lighting was discreet and potentially romantic; so don’t be afraid to bring a significant other. The bottle of house wine (a recommended red - the Tiddy Widdy Well Shiraz) will cosy your affair up, not to mention flatter the Indian spices.
Speaking of spices, the Dockmaster’s team source them from my home country of South Africa, as well as from India, whereas the meats are all locally bought and carefully selected. This was evident in the honey and clove quail with moong bean salad I chose as a starter. I have never tried quail before and, thanks to Dockmaster’s, I will gladly choose it again sometime.
My choice of bird didn’t stop with the starters as I opted for the tandoori grilled fenugreek chicken as a main which was tender and delicious. The food was finely presented with frills of fresh herbs and dashes of sauce decoratively pronounced on our plates; contrary to the accustomed Indian ‘stew’. Thirst wasn’t an issue, either, as my wine glass was always full; the impeccable service ran on oiled wheels.
When dessert came, envy crossed my face as I glared at my companion’s mint ice cream. I felt cheated that I hadn’t ordered it. Nevertheless. I nonchalantly stole regular mouthfuls as my palate cried out for more. My only criticism of the dessert was that this sumptuous, almost sensually enthralling portion was less than generous! With the mint ice cream distracting me, I couldn’t really pay attention to my own nut biscuit and crème brulee.
Dessert aside, there was also a smattering of pre and post nibbles, including mini spicy dumplings and mini sweet tarts; chef’s way of showing us his continued refininement of the menu.
My friend and I were delighted not to be exposed to the gyrating, bell jingling, hip bumping music of Bollywood, which can prove slightly distracting sometime. On the contrary, the music was relaxing and cheerful, and I was not drawn to it, but rather mellowed by it.
Dockmaster’s House are proud of their USP and I think it is an excellent idea. It must be said that Indian fine dining was a first for me. With a chic and enticing late night club downstairs, as well as a garden area featuring soft, luscious green grass, and three separate areas for private functions, Dockmaster’s is so much more than just a restaurant. Dockmaster’s has completely reformed itself from that curry house of yore. Congratulations Dockmasters. You qualify with top masters.
Philippa Morton (02 11 2009)
Dockmaster's House London Description
Dockmaster's House is a new fine dining Indian restaurant and bar, located within a listed three-storey Georgian building. Comprising of stunning dining rooms, sophisticated bars, private rooms and garden. Providing a vitality and charm to London’s financial district, Dockmaster’s House delivers a standard of fine dining in Indian cuisine not previously available to professionals and residents in Canary Wharf.
Dockmaster’s House offers classical Indian dishes which retain their identity but are given a contemporary twist, mirroring the historic old building that has been given a modern day makeover. By creating individually crafted dishes, the restaurant takes the essence of traditional Indian flavours and provides a new style in which to appreciate them which is in tune with western dining standards and expectations.
The chic and stylish dining room is set off the regal ground floor lobby, accommodating up to 90 diners and provides an elegant and sophisticated experience. The dining room has an adjacent bar for diners wishing to enjoy pre-dinner drinks or relax over digestifs.
Built 200 years ago by the West India Company, the restaurant inhabits the building which was once the Excise Office for West India Quay. In 1846, Joseph Montague, a former dock company constable converted the building into the Jamaica Tavern, a hotel occupied mostly by merchants. The Jamaica Hotel’s license was not renewed in 1925 due to its bad reputation during a period when the police were making a concerted effort to eradicate the local opium trade. In 1926 the building was adapted to provide office for the Dock Superintendent and his staff. The building remained a dock office until 1980. It then came to be misleading called ‘Dockmaster’s House’.
Customer Reviews for Dockmaster's House
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Dockmaster's House.
“Used the booking service on this site and had a fantastic evening here with my boyfriend. The food was divine and the venue was stunning. Would highly recommend Dockmaster's House.”
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Londoner, London (1 years 3 months 4 days ago)
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Dockmaster's House Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 18:00 - 00:00
- Wednesday: 18:00 - 00:00
- Thursday: 18:00 - 02:00
- Friday: 18:00 - 10:00, 18:00 - 02:00
- Saturday: 18:00 - 00:00
- Sunday: Closed
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