Ideal for restoring energy levels after a long day of shopping, writer Giverny Masso takes Copper Chimney in Westfield London for a taste drive
Visitors to Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush already have no shortage places to eat at the end of a long day shopping.
However most of those restaurants are well known chains which can be found anywhere across the capital.
Now something a little more unique has opened at the shopping complex: the first UK venture for Indian restaurant brand Copper Chimney. I take a trip from East to West London to sample the menu for myself.
The Venue
Having opened its first location in Mumbai in 1972, Copper Chimney now runs 15 award-winning restaurants across five cities in India.
The new London branch’s offering includes recipes from the original 1972 menu, as well as extensive cocktail, wine, beer and chai lists.
Entering the restaurant, I am immediately struck by its bold, spacious interior. Ornamental copper lights hang from the ceiling, which is embellished with greenery.
The Food & Drink
While browsing the sizable menu, we are offered cocktails to start. Choosing from a selection of eight specially curated, spice infused beverages, I decide on a Sobo G&T(£9.50), which combines basil infused gin with hibiscus tea and cranberry, while my friend opts for a Worli Morning (£9.50), which combines vodka, orange liqueur and curry leaf. Both are punchy and unique.
For starters we share Okra Kurkure (£4.50), which translates to very moreish skinny fries made from the vegetable, and a generous portion of the green pea and aloo samosas (£4.75).
We are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to mains, with a large selection of grills and curries available, including a brilliant range of vegetarian options.
Indecisive as ever, I consult with the waiter who insists I must try the paneer masala (£10.95), which is a recipe from the original 1972 menu. The indulgent buttery dish does not disappoint.
The Copper Chimney curries are very wet, so my meal is well accompanied by a garlic naan (£2.95) to mop up all the flavours. We also share a Dal Maharaja (£9.65); another original recipe, made with black lentils that melt in your mouth after having been slow cooked for hours.
Ready to sink into a food coma by this point, we finish the evening with a comforting chai tea, which warms us for the journey home.
The Wordrobe verdict
I’m particularly taken with the restaurant’s stunning, contemporary design and extensive vegetarian offering. I’d highly recommended trying the original 1972 recipes on the menu and the spice infused cocktails – which were the showstoppers of my evening.
Copper Chimney provides a welcome change to the usual chains at Westfield, and is well worth a visit to unwind after a day of shopping.
Make it happen
Where: Unit 1028 Southern Terrace, Westfield London, Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 7GA
Bookings: Phone 020 8059 4439, email reservations@copperchimney.uk or visit www.copperchimney.uk to make a booking.
Words by Giverny Masso