Gymkhana chef-director departs after nearly a decade

Sid Ahuja, chef director at Gymkhana in London’s Mayfair, has left after nearly 10 years at the restaurant.

He first joined Gymkhana, which is owned by JKS Restaurants, in 2016 as head chef, before rising through the ranks to become executive chef in 2020 and chef director in 2025.

The 100-cover Indian restaurant won a second Michelin star in 2024 under Ahuja’s guidance.

He posted on his Instagram at the time that it was “a moment I still pinch myself for”. 

Ahuja described his experience helming Gymkhana as “one of my greatest challenges and adventures at the same time”. He added: “For every dish, every service, each and every colleague, late nights, international openings and new learnings, I am so grateful. Thank you to the team, the guests, and everyone who believed in what we represented.

“What has been built at 42 Albemarle Street will always be with me, and the legacy will remain.”

Ahuja did not reveal what his next position would be, but said he is “looking ahead to my next adventure with great excitement, and I cannot wait to share more with you soon”.

Gymkhana was founded in 2013 and earned its first Michelin star in 2014.

It suffered a fire in June 2019 before re-opening in February 2020 after an interior redesign.

Owner JKS Restaurants was established in 2008 by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi. It operates 30 restaurants globally, including Trishna, Berenjak, Speedboat Bar, Bibi and Legado.