TPH of Chelsea (Bar, Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about the restaurant, TPH of Chelsea:

1) You live in southwest London, probably Clapham or its proximity, so “going for an Indian” means Tooting, where you find a multitude of satisfactory Indian restaurants (Samrat is your best bet, though). If you don’t live in southwest London, Brick Lane’s Indian restaurants are your go-to for familiar, traditional, tacky decor and paper tablecloths. But hold on a minute: what’s happened to the sense of adventure you had when you first arrived in London?

2) Despite its west London moniker, TPH of Chelsea is actually not that far away. Plus, adventures are still to be had: take a pre-dinner stroll along the King’s Road for a spot of window-shopping, or a romantic meander along the river via Battersea Park and over the impressive Albert Bridge. Either route will deposit you near TPH of Chelsea.

3) As you’re already out of your comfort zone (feels good, huh?), upset the apple cart further: don’t order naan, you don’t need it; share a rice, one is suffice; and eschew the mains completely, your old ticker probably doesn’t need that much sauce. Poppadoms are allowed though and the vast array served with three dips - including the sweetly satisfying plum sauce - are all as addictive as Pringles.

4) Chat to Csilla - super friendly and eager-to-please - because she has plenty of recommendations. The menu may seem daunting. Heed her advice, look for the following words: Josper chargrilled, vegan, vegetarian, organic, seasonal, sustainable and ethical.

5) If you need healing, there’s even an ayurvedic thali dish on the menu that constitutes “a melange of curries for body and soul”.

6) Or - top tip here - treat the varied (and inexpensive) starters like tapas and order loads to share. Dipping sauce arrives on a spoon (pesto spinach is the winner), accompanied by a mini roti bread and a colourful ramekin of red onion, pomegranate, yellow pepper, cucumber, green chili, and lime-squeezing device. If you fail to order the chicken tikka with charcoal dust and mustard sauce, or the crispy vegan dish, you will be sad.

7) These smaller portions will inevitably leave room for dessert; unheard of for an Indian restaurant! You’ll win the race for the best sweet choice by opting for the rose kulfi ice cream and chocolate shavings on a stick; simple, effective, and not for sharing! Alternatively, if you must eat the same food, the portion of rich panna cotta and mango sorbet is generous.

8) You are winning at life now, so reward yourself with an Indian Summer gin and Fever Tree tonic, then recline smugly to discuss the restaurant’s subdued flute-based background music; its modern art; its earthy colour tones; its eye-goggling stone wall wallpaper; its small alfresco Heron Terrace with resident buddha; and its cosy, laid-back holding area with embroidered cushions and old fashioned mining lanterns.

9) Possibly the only blemish on this near-perfect, modern Indian dining experience is the dearth of wines by the glass that are not pinot grigio or Marlborough sauvignon blanc. How about a gruner veltliner or an English bacchus perchance?

10) There’s a small bar area at the front of the restaurant with room enough for three stool-seated guests to enjoy a post-dinner cleansing ale. Or, it’s only a short walk to Bunga Bunga in Battersea if your night is not yet done. The adventure continues!...read more