Dipna Anand to open restaurant at Somerset House

Dipna Anand is to open a restaurant in the east wing of London’s Somerset House in partnership with Restaurant Associates later this month.

Opening on 24 November, Dipna’s restaurant and bar will serve Punjabi and South Indian cuisine, including dishes such as samosa chaat blast, dehli, makhani chicken and dynamite wings; a brunch menu; and thalis.

Vegetarian and classic thali plates will be available alongside a wider selection of traditional dishes on the à la carte menu. The drinks list will include Indian wines as well as mango lassis and cocktails including passion fruit mojitos.

Anand said: “I am super excited to be opening my new restaurant in the heart of London at Somerset House. Dipna’s Restaurant & Bar promises to bring you an Indian dining experience nothing less than brilliant! The menu is a true reflection of me and my family’s heritage dating back to the 1950s. Expect to experience my signature thali and favourites such as dynamite wings and my delicious samosa chaat blast.

"My ongoing relationship with Restaurant Associates continues to strengthen and has given me this incredible opportunity to bring my expertise to this iconic venue in the Strand. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my love for Indian cuisine in this exquisite location.”

The new restaurant is believed to be opening at the space formerly run as Bryn Williams at Somerset House, which closed last year due to the pandemic.

Anand is also co-owner of her family’s Brilliant restaurant in Southall, which was opened by her father 41 years ago. She runs specialist Indian cookery courses at her cookery school within the restaurant itself. She has worked with Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group, for years as a brand partner.