The Talli Queen
The Dossier
Restaurant

The Talli Queen

By Rajan BhanotShepherd's Bush2 min read

Avi Shashidhara revives a Shepherd's Bush icon with southern Indian flavours and a nod to toddy shop culture.

◆The Brief
  • The Talli Queen revives Shepherd's Bush with southern Indian toddy shop vibes
  • Chef Avi Shashidhara, of River Cafe fame, leads the culinary vision
  • Dishes include charred Naga pork and Kerala duck curry
  • Warm interiors feature Rajasthan red marble and mango wood furnishings
The full story below↓

The Concept

Chef Avi Shashidhara, with a pedigree that includes the River Cafe and Pahli Hill, brings his vision to The Talli Queen in Shepherd's Bush. He draws from southern India's toddy shop drinking culture, infusing it seamlessly into this Grade II-listed pub. The name 'Talli' — Hindi for tipsy — and Varuni, the Hindu goddess of alcohol, set the tone. The venue's design honours its past, retaining the essence of 'The Queen' with a blend of heritage greens, dark pink hues, and imported mango wood furnishings.

What to Expect

that celebrates regional Indian cooking. Start with a kachumber margarita, a cucumber-fresh twist on the classic, and snacks like chakkali, served with a garlic-and-chilli dip. The papadi chaat bursts with pumpkin, beetroot, and pomegranate. The toddy shop fried King fish and Mangalore buns with Scottish crab sukkah offer delightful contrasts. Larger dishes include the charred Naga pork ribeye with ginger and naga chilli sauce, and the Kerala duck curry, rich with fennel and cassia bark. The interiors, with Rajasthan red marble tables, offer a warm, atmospheric setting.

The Verdict

Avi Shashidhara's revival is both respectful and innovative, making The Talli Queen a must-visit. Order the Mangalore buns and savour each bite.

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