By Katrina Mirpuri
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Diwali is set to light up London later this month, with more celebrations taking over the city than ever before. This year, Diwali takes place on October 20, and it signifies the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is a chance to celebrate light over darkness and good over evil; a concept which seems to be more important than ever right now.
The festival of Diwali isn’t exclusively celebrated by Hindus. For Jains, it commemorates Lord Mahavira’s liberation, and Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking Guru Hargobind’s release from prison. Regardless of religion, it’s a great opportunity to get together and celebrate with good food and music.
The annual Diwali event at Trafalgar Square remains an unmissable centrepiece in the city, set to draw in huge crowds with its lineup of comedy, music, dance, and displays. But the festivities don’t stop there. Restaurants across the capital are rolling out special Diwali menus, from indulgent sharing feasts to contemporary twists on classic Indian dishes. Whether you’re heading to Trafalgar Square or planning a celebratory meal, London’s got plenty going on for the festival of lights. Here’s where to celebrate.
Looking to celebrate Diwali in style? London’s chicest Indian restaurant, Ambassadors Clubhouse, is serving a limited edition five-course Diwali feast that showcases the best of Punjabi cuisine. The non-vegetarian spread starts with achari duck chaat, Ambassadors’ famed BBQ butter chicken chop, and a tawa masala crab cheela, with the option to indulge further in the decadent shahi patiala lamb chop. For mains, diners can enjoy a slow-cooked lamb curry, guinea fowl changezi, and lobster curry. The vegetarian menu is equally dazzling. It opens with gol gappas and chaat, followed by paneer tikka and a vegetable kebab. Heartier courses include pindi chole with Amritsari kulcha and the indulgent malai morel paneer mattar, which comes with a chickpea biryani served with velvety Punjabi black dal. For pudding, guests can choose from a trio of desserts: gur malai toast, burnt ghee ice cream, or dark chocolate and peanut kheer with banana chikki. Bring your appetite for this one.
When? October 18-27
How much? Vegetarian £110, non-vegetarian £115
25 Heddon Street, W1B 4BH, ambassadorsclubhouse.com
Chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Club remains one of the coolest Indian restaurants in town. It’s located in the old Westminster Library, a Grade-II listed building. For Diwali, they are serving a five course meal with the option to add a wine pairing for £40 per person. The meal begins with canapés such as green pea kachori and aubergine crisp, followed by larger plates including chargrilled partridge breast with mushroom pickle and spiced pear chutney, and moreish grilled shrimp skewers with smoked chilli sambal. To finish, the meal concludes with a trio of desserts: saffron pistachio kulfi, carrot halwa roll, and rasmalai tres leches.
When? October 1-31
How much? £65
The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU, cinnamonclub.com
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your celebratory Diwali meal, both the Cinnamon Bazaar restaurants are offering an impressive eight-course feast for £39 per person. The meal includes a Diwali-inspired cocktail, along with crowd favourites such as beetroot pao bhaji with toasted brioche and potato, Amtritsari batter fried bream fillet and their famous lamb rogan josh shepherd’s pie. For dessert, guests are served an almond and rose kulfi. There must be a minimum of two diners in order to book.
For something between the Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Club, Vivek Singh’s two Cinnamon Kitchen sites are also doing a Diwali feast for £45-48 per person.
When? October 1-31
How much? £39
28 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS, cinnamon-bazaar.com/covent-garden, 31 Kew Rd, Richmond, TW9 2NQ, cinnamon-bazaar.com/richmond
Every year, central London comes alive for Diwali on the Square, a free festival celebrating the festival of lights. The day is packed with colourful dance and music performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. Expect lots of musical entertainment on the main stage, interactive zones, sari & turban tying workshops, yoga, meditation, children’s activities, and plenty of delicious food. As the sun sets in the evening, there’ll be a special light up moment to symbolise unity, hope and the triumph of light over darkness.
When? October 12, 2-8pm
How much? Free entry
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
London’s favourite Desi pub, The Tamil Prince, and its sister restaurant Tamila, will be honouring Diwali by serving a special banana leaf thali during the festive period. Executive chef Prince Durairaj has crafted the limited Diwali thali, which boasts all the best bits of the restaurant all on one plate (or leaf in this case). Expect vadai (a South Indian savoury doughnut), pea and potato masala, mutton chukka, king prawn varuval, poppadoms and spiced fried cauliflower alongside the acclaimed cocktail and drinks menu.
When? Throughout October
How much? Vegetarian £30, non-vegetarian £33
15 Hemingford Road, N1 1BZ, thetamilprince.com, 39 Northcote Rd, SW11 1NJ, tamila.uk
Diners at Dishoom can look forward to an action packed evening of sensory South Asian storytelling and entertainment. The event is being curated by Ryan Lanji, and the party is due to go on late into the night with the likes of Baluji Shrivastav OBE, Renao and Raghav on the lineup. Bring your dancing shoes, apetite and something glam to wear. Guests can choose between a vegan or vegetarian food option when they book. There’ll be a mixture of Dishoom classics and special dishes available on the night.
When? October 16
How much? £40
1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL, dishoom.com
This Dulwich based Indian restaurant is running a limited festive menu for the week leading up to Diwali. The à la carte menu features dishes such as mussels moilee, malai paneer kofta and crispy spinach and kale chaat. On Sunday October, 19 a day before Diwali, KOKUM will be giving guests a complimentary piece of homemade barfi.
When: October 14-19
How much: Dishes are priced individually
56-80 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX, kokumlondon.com
Just outside of London, but too good not to mention. Sopwell House is bringing back its sell out Diwali bash for the third year on October 18. For one night only, the luxury country hotel in St Albans will host an evening of culture, entertainment, exceptional dining and fireworks to mark the festival of lights in style. Festivities begin at 7pm with a welcome reception, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted Indian canapés and starters served from vibrant street-style food stations. The celebrations then move into the main venue to enjoy a sit down dinner in the setting of striking table sculptures and chandeliers. The meal promises authentic dishes, including Hyderabadi mutton biryani, old Delhi-style butter chicken, Malabar king fish curry, and slow-cooked dal makhani.
If you’re looking to celebrate with a larger group of 10 or above, there is a VIP price of £129 per person, which guarantees premium seating near the dance floor and two bottles of champagne for the group.
When: October 18
How much: £139
Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2HQ, sopwellhouse.co.uk
