Cinnamon Kitchen

Indian

4 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, SW11 8AB

£££

Cinnamon Kitchen is a modern Indian restaurant which originated in The City. It later opened up a second establishment in Oxford and a third in 2017 - around the modern Battersea Power station development. All three branches are sophisticated and glamorous; taking the decadence associated with certain parts of India and embedding it into a city environment. Warm copper is complimented by a rich turquoise, whilst exposed brickwork and dark lighting leave the atmosphere effortlessly cool. There's even a separate private dining area, for groups of up to 18 seated/20 standing, which appears to levitate above the main restaurant, giving you an added element of grandeur.

Now, in the true style of rule of three's, I was enticed to Cinnamon Kitchen by YET ANOTHER Time Out offer. I get weak at the knees browsing delicious menus online, with my main downfall being a good old deal, so when I saw the chance of getting 4 delicious courses and a cocktail for a mere £29, I decided to treat myself and mum. We were attending an event in Kensington Olympia that day, so I originally booked for 5pm to allow us plenty of wiggle room if we wanted to stay. Turns out, we were ready to leave by 3pm, so one half an hour uber and one online amendment later we were seated just after 3:30pm. The restaurant was understandably quiet at this time, with just 4 tables dining towards the front, more lit area. Mum and I took a table by the window: the best one in the house, may I add.

Service was smiley and ridiculously efficient. The tables were wiped down with a silken cloth I would have been happy to wear around my neck, and waiters were attentive without being annoying. We were handed our separate Time Out menu which included an appetiser followed by a starter, main and desert. The friendly host told us that we could have a choice of cocktail, as the one which was offered on the menu had a strong bourbon base which might not be to everyone's liking. We both opted for a Mango Sour instead, which was refreshing and truly delicious.

To follow, we were served our appetiser of Crisp Spinach and Artichoke Chaat, a sort-of oversized bombay mix which was crunchy, chewy and bursting with flavours of India. To follow, we got the Spice Crusted Lamb Fillet and a portion of Garlic and sweet soy Paneer. The lamb was tender, juicy and still a little pink in the middle, with a charcoal aftertaste and smoked paprika mustardy raita. The Paneer was less impressive but still delicious: almost disguised as a tofu dish, and coated in a sweet and sour sauce reminiscent of your favourite Chinese restaurant.

For main, we went for the Pollock Malai curry and Tandoori Chicken served in a zingy mint chilli korma. The subtle pollock curry was delicate and light, whilst still managing to burst with delicious flavours, whilst the chicken was cooked to perfection. This again had smoky undertones from the tandoor and was complimented by a yoghurty, coconuty and sour sauce which was like nothing I've quite had before. Both dishes were highly memorable, despite chicken often being my last choice in a restaurant. Out of curiosity, and because we wanted to order some garlic naan to mop up the juices (£3.5), Mum and I took a look at the main menu. I can honestly say that the deal we had included all the highlights and I would have chosen the exact same options even if I was given the full scope of the menu. Top points for Time Out!

We finished the meal on a high, opting for the Lassi Panna Cotta and Sticky Ginger Toffee Pudding. The lassi was served with mango and dried raspberry flakes: a true palette cleanser and delicate end to the meal, whilst the ginger toffee pud managed to remain light and bouncy despite being coated in a sensationally sweet sauce - the garam masala ice cream it was served with was pretty special too!

Cinnamon Kitchen is without a doubt in the running for my new favourite Indian restaurant in London, the only competition being Tandoor Chop House. Both, however, serve a separate purpose, with Cinnamon Kitchen, expensive and flashy, being more of a destination or occasion choice, whilst Tandoor Chop House is admittedly slightly less traditional and most definitely more casual. I have no doubt in my mind when I make Cinnamon Kitchen number 14 on my 5 star list of London restaurants - others including: Padella, Tandoor Chop House, Rosa's Thai, The Abbeville, Kudu, The Dairy, Bala Baya, Homeslice, Foleys, Temper, La Bonne Heure (now closed), Goddards, and Flat Iron.