Haymarket is an historic street in central London. Connecting Pall Mall with Piccadilly, Haymarket dates back to Elizabethan times and, unsurprisingly, it was once a market for the sale of agricultural produce next to the village of Charing. The thought of this sleepy hamlet will make Londoners smile, as Charing Cross is now a vibrant and thronging corner of the Capital. Haymarket was also one of the centres of prostitution in London but, thankfully for businesses around now, those days are over. Haymarket is part of London’s famed theatre district in the star-studded West End, and has been that way for centuries. The Theatre Royal was originally designed by John Nash (1820), replacing a previous theatre of the 1720s.
Accessible bar
Theatregoers as well as local office workers are not short of food options, and Farzi Café provides Indian food served with style and a bit of imagination. The contemporary restaurant has an open kitchen and an even more accessible bar. There is an à la carte menu as well as a lunch and pre-theatre bill of fare at reasonable prices.
Dal Chawal Arancini with achaar papad chutney was a delicious interpretation of an Italian classic and it made a perfect starter. Cooked and stuffed rice was formed into balls, coated and deep fried. It will likely gladden the hearts of any comfort-food lover. Great texture and flavour.
Tandoori Bharwan Aloo is a Benarasi curry, and was a revelation to me. Tandoori potatoes are stuffed with a spicy filling and served with a moreish sauce. This must be a signature dish. Nothing more needed apart from a basket of warm Indian bread. Don’t miss this one.
Perfect for lunch
Jhol Masala Chicken Biryani was my guest’s choice of main dish and it didn’t disappoint. This was a substantial pot of flavourful and rose-perfumed chicken and rice, and all topped with a golden puff pastry lid. A winner of a dish and perfect for lunch for two with a couple of side dishes.
Farzi Café in Haymarket offers food with flair and originality. The guests seemed to be Londoners as well as tourists from the Subcontinent, and they were enthusiastic consumers of the array of tempting savouries. The concept allows diners to select a few small plates to mix and match, or something larger such as that Biryani. One could nip in for a quick but satisfying bite or linger over a larger meal.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday 12noon – 22.45
Friday – Saturday 12noon – 23.15
Sundays & Bank Holidays 12noon- 21.45
Farzi Café
8 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4BP
Phone: 020 3981 0090
Email: restaurant@farzilondon.com
Visit Farzi café here https://www.farzilondon.com/