I’m still not quite sure how I managed it (I think it may have been because I left my business card at Benares when I ate there), but I was invited to the opening of this rather amusingly named restaurant a couple of weeks ago, and not having attending one of these events before, was more than happy to get my name added to the guest list. The idea behind Urban Turban is to serve ‘tapas’ style dishes based on Mumbai street food. The idea of Indian tapas is not entirely new, with Imli on Wardour St having done this for at least a couple of years already, but it’s still a welcome prospect and the more, the merrier, in my opinion. Personally, the more dishes I can order and taste in a restaurant, the better.

Once both myself and Mr M had been checked off the guest list, we were immediately offered a glass of champagne each, with the attentive staff replenishing glasses at every opportunity. Once I had found out where the exit to the kitchen was, we positioned ourself in the prime location to where the food was coming out. This tactic worked a treat and we were perfectly positioned to get a sample from each of the canape trays that were being brought out. Aloo chat served in spherical wheat crisps, mini veg samosas, fried puffed rice puri, chicken tikka bites and pieces of lamb shish were the order of the day and all were very tasty indeed. I was quite surprised by the lack of marketing and there were no presentations or big effort of the staff to really network with the guests, although I did see the michelin starred chef behind this venture, Vineet Bhatia, doing a bit of mingling at various points. I guess they were letting the food do the talking. Anyway, the alcohol was free flowing all night and apart from the weird tasting flavoured cobra beers that were handed out at some point, it was a most enjoyable evening. I’m not sure I will make the effort to travel all the way over from South East London to go and eat there, but if I’m in the area I’ll give it a go. Anyway, thanks to the Urban Turban crew for a great night out. I’ll be leaving my business card in as many good restaurants as possible from now on!