UK’s Top Chefs In New Guest Dining Series At Kanishka London

11.02.2024 - 13:49 / forbes.com / London

Chef Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star in the UK (for Tamarind), has invited some of the most respected chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK to cook with him in “a Michelin-starred Four-Hands experience” at his Mayfair restaurant, Kanishka. Kanishka opened in 2019, building on Chef Atul Kochhar’s success at making Indian fine dining popular at his Michelin-starred restaurants Benares and Tamarind. The energetic chef has also found time to appear on television programs like Masterchef and Great British Menu and to open seven other restaurants outside London, including last week, a ninety seat restaurant Essence at The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Atul Kochhar says that "this Four-Hands series is a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisines, bringing together culinary maestros to create an unforgettable experience for our guests at Kanishka. Each dining experience will offer a unique gastronomic journey, as our guests explore a vast range of flavours that reflect the passion and creativity of the chefs involved.”

Kicking off the monthly series on February 8th was award-winning chef Nigel Haworth of The Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire with an incredible seven-course tasting menu. Nigel spent over three decades as the driving culinary force at The Northcote, before handing over the reins of the restaurant kitchen to Lisa Goodwin-Allen, his protégé, who is now executive chef. Nigel reacquired The Three Fishes, a gastro-pub that he first launched in 2004. As a chef, Nigel Howarth has helped define the path of modern British cooking through his championing of regional produce and traditional dishes, inspiring countless others to follow his local, seasonal model.

The combination of Atul Kochhar's Indian flavors and Nigel Haworth's Modern British choices made for an excellent fusion of culinary cultures. Menu highlights included Pumpkin Risotto with Black Perigord Truffle; XL Scallop with Darienki Caviar, Champagne Sauce and Seaweed; Herdwick Lamb Loin and Belly, Sticky Mash, Sprouting Broccoli; and Estate Apple Crumble Souffle with Lancashire Cheese Ice Cream and Apple Wafers. The entire tasting menu was well thought out and delicious concluding with an astonishingly moreish dessert, boding well for the future guest chef collaborations.

Many more “four hands” evenings are planned for this year with chefs specialising in a variety of cuisines from Indian and Japanese to Middle Eastern and Italian. Next up at Kanishka with Chef Atul will be Adam Handling of Michelin-starred Frog restaurant in Covent Garden, who will showcase his love of Modern British cooking on March 6th. Additional chefs, many working at Michelin-starred restaurants,