From Knightsbridge to Southall

Saturday, April 12th , 2025

The Georgian in Harrods is a dining room with some history, now serving British food with an emphasis on the pies of chef Colum Franklin, though he has designed the menu rather than being present in the kitchen. It was pleasant enough, but was expensive for what it was, though curiously the wine list was a relative bargain.

The Cocochine in Mayfair has been open for nearly a year now, serving the food of chef Larry Jayasekara. It uses exceptional ingredients, many of them from the Scottish island of Tanera and Rowler farm, both owned by Cocochine's wealthy investors. The cooking has really kicked up a gear based on this latest meal, with a barbecued lobster dish in particular being fabulous. 

The Brilliant has been a Southall institution since it opened in 1975, but now it is closed, and I went one last time to enjoy it. Gulu Anand is retiring, but the restaurant will be reborn after a fashion in Southall, with Gulu’s daughter Dipna to open a new restaurant on a brand new development near Southall station. The last meal was as enjoyable as ever and the place was packed out.