Rohit Ghai to open Manthan in Mayfair

Chef Rohit Ghai, chef-patron of Kutir in London’s Chelsea, is to open a new restaurant called Manthan in Mayfair this summer.

Situated on Maddox Street at the former Lucknow 49 site, Manthan (meaning to churn and reflect) will serve sharing plates including sarson chicken chop with mustard, kachumber salad and mint chutney; goat shami kebab in bone marrow sauce; and ghati masala prawns with peanut, sesame seed and fresh coconut.

Nearly half of the small plates will be meat-free including ram ladoo (mong daal fritters) with mooli, yellow lentil and pomegranate; pyaz khachori (onions, mixed bean sprouts, and sweet and sour saunth chutney); and a Burford Brown egg curry with paratha.

A concise cocktail menu has been compiled by co-founder and front of house Abhi Sangwan, former director of operations at JKS’ Jamavar and Bombay Bustle in London, which Ghai also formerly oversaw as group executive chef. Inspired by and named after oceans and the myths that surround them, the cocktails will use exotic fruits and botanicals. The drinks list will also include Asian spirits, fine and New World wines and an extensive non-alcoholic cocktail menu.

Ghai said: “After a difficult time, we are so appreciative and humbled to be launching a new restaurant in the part of London where we have such great memories. We look forward to welcoming regular and new guests and giving them a memorable experience.”

Jamavar won a Michelin star within a year of opening when it was overseen by Ghai, but later lost the award following his departure in 2018.