The LaLiT London Elevates Indian Dining with Baluchi
Baluchi, the grand Indian dining room at The LaLiT London, redefines fine Indian dining. SOH steps inside to savour its grandeur.
By Rachna Virdi
A setting like this is rare. On the south bank of the Thames along Tooley Street, a striking red-brick Victorian grammar school has been reimagined by The LaLiT Group of Hotels as a luxury boutique hotel—one that carries its new custodians’ distinctive imprint with pride.
Founded in 1561 by brewer Henry Leeke, St. Olave’s Grammar School stood as a proud symbol of learning until its closure in 1967. Half a century later, in 2017, The LaLiT Group breathed new life into the landmark, transforming it into TheLaLiT London. Staying away from the familiar clubbiness of many Victorian heritage hotels, The LaLiT London embraces a boldly vibrant character of its own.
With an effort to honour its scholastic past, founder Keshav Suri has playfully retained classic names for the hotel’s key spaces: the assembly hall is now the Great Hall, the bar the Teacher’s Room, while the menu unfolds in chapters—Term One for starters, Mid Term for mains, Term Break for desserts, and Chairman’s Favourites as a final flourish.
The hotel design blends Indian cultural accents and London’s historic character. Step inside and you are transported into a space of opulence and luxury. The finer details such as the 19th century vaulted ceilings, historic arches, and vibrant indigo-blue chandeliers dominate the cobalt interiors and make a striking impression. It is a setting that feels both majestic and intimate, offering discerning travellers a dining experience shaped as much by mood and ambience as by flavour.
Harshit Vyas, General Manager, Baluchi London explains, “Baluchi is more than a restaurant, it is a cultural bridge. In London’s vibrant dining scene, it represents the soul of India served with authenticity and grace. Every detail, from the grandeur of the Great Hall to the flavours that travel from Delhi to Kerala, is about creating an experience that is familiar and extraordinary. For our team, Baluchi is not just a place to dine—it is a place to feel India in London.”
The Lalit London's design seamlessly weaves Indian cultural accents into London’s historic fabric.
Within the cobalt interiors, 19th-century vaulted ceilings, historic arches, and luminous indigo chandeliers create a lasting impression.
Cocktail Therapy
Once the common room of St. Olave’s Grammar School’s distinguished faculty, The Teacher’s Bar in the restaurant has been reimagined as a sleek, atmospheric lounge where heritage meets indulgence. Overlooking the Great Hall, the space retains its scholastic spirit while dazzling with a mother-of-pearl ceiling and a ten-foot marble cocktail bar.
The bar menu is crafted to suit every mood, with signature creations that reinterpret classics with flair. The Imli Margarita—a blend of tequila, Grand Marnier, tamarind syrup, and lime—delivers a tangy twist on the familiar favourite, while the Gulabi Martini, laced with rose water, gin, and fresh lime, is both delicate and striking. Stealing the spotlight is the Headmaster’s Cocktail, a tribute to Canon Edmund Boger, the school’s last headmaster, brought to life through a bold mix of bourbon, pimento dram, rhubarb liqueur, and Calvados.
Whether unwinding after a meeting or toasting the night ahead, the bar invites guests to savour finely balanced cocktails in a setting that honours history with contemporary elegance.
Overlooking the Great Hall, the space gleams with a mother-of-pearl ceiling and a striking ten-foot marble cocktail bar.
The culinary team at Baluchi at The Lalit London.
Celebrating India’s soul in London
Baluchi leads diners on a journey across India’s culinary landscape. Crafted by a team of acclaimed chefs, the menu celebrates authenticity while embracing modern technique, presenting dishes that are as refined in flavour as they are in presentation. At the heart of its culinary DNA lies the richness of India’s diverse regional cuisines. Drawing inspiration from pre-partition recipes and Mughlai traditions, the menu celebrates dishes that carry centuries of history yet feel timeless at the table today.
The pan-Indian repertoire ranges from the rich curries of Kashmir and Bengal to the coastal specialities of Kerala and Goa, and every course pays homage to the diversity of the Indian subcontinent. Traditional recipes blend with modern techniques—ranging from the spice-kissed coasts of the South to the royal kitchens of the North. The culinary team of Baluchi adds, “Tradition is the foundation, but modern techniques are used with restraint to refine textures, elevate presentation and pair classics with contemporary flair, without ever compromising their soul.”
He further adds, “Baluchi appeals to Londoners, international travellers and guests who wish to enjoy an authentic taste of India expressed with elegance in the heart of the city. Each dish is inspired by heritage recipes from the spice-rich coastlines of the South to the kitchens of the North. While tradition forms the heart of our menu, we thoughtfully use modern techniques to enhance presentation and elevate the dining experience.”
The menu highlights include the fiery Charred Salmon, Sandalwood Chicken Tikka, and Monkfish Malabari. There are two signature dishes that capture the spirit of Baluchi. The chef adds, “Our most popular dish, Purani Dilli ka Butter Chicken, inspired by the iconic bylanes of Old Delhi, delivers nostalgia and comfort with every bite. The second, Dal Baluchi, is our signature slow-cooked black lentil dish that is rich, soulful and timeless. It showcases depth, flavour and tradition. Together they embody what Baluchi stands for and carry the essence of India’s culinary heritage across continents while presenting it with the warmth of true hospitality.”
A decadent finale comes in the form of desserts like Pal Payasam Brûlée, Rasmalai, Gajar Halwa, or the indulgent trio of Sheer Kurma, Gulab Phirni, and Shahi Tukda. Served alongside Nan Khatai and steaming Desi Chai, the experience lingers long after the last sip. The thoughtful plating and intuitive hospitality further reinforces the grandeur of dining in London’s most dramatic Indian restaurant.
Harshit Vyas, General Manager, Baluchi London.
Baluchi appeals to Londoners, international travellers and guests who wish to enjoy an authentic taste of India expressed with elegance in the heart of the city.
Harshit Vyas
General Manager, Baluchi London
Other distinctive experiences
The restaurant is unafraid to innovate. The iconic Naanery, an one-of-a-kind bread bar pairs artisanal tandoor-baked breads with wines and dips, offering guests a unique way to rediscover staples. This juxtaposition of heritage with novelty captures the spirit of Baluchi: to evoke nostalgia while delivering discovery.
With 2 AA Rosettes and consistently ranked among the Top 10 Indian restaurants on TripAdvisor, Baluchi has secured its place among London’s most distinguished dining destinations. It is an immersion into India’s culinary soul, expressed with elegance for today’s discerning global diner—it is India retold in the heart of London.