Just when you thought Oxford Street had no more secrets left to tell, there's Pahli Hill, a unique Indian restaurant and its subterranean bar Bandra Bhai, sitting just behind one of London's most famous tube stations. Split across two levels, with two totally different concepts, either or both spaces are impressive spaces to host an event - whether it be a birthday, work do or even a brand launch.
Starting with the ground level restaurant, Pahli Hill masterly blends modern decor with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of authentic nods to South Asia. With an industrial style bar, thoughtful touches like a pastel moziac, and rich-toned leather banquettes, it's an interior design lovers dream.
You're welcome to take over the entire restaurant which has a capacity of 70 standing or 55 seated. Or, if you're catering to a smaller group, reserve half the space for 30 people, and benefit from the buzzy atmosphere of other diners. The talented team are happy to cater to your culinary needs whatever they might be, so if you were picturing canapes and cocktails, choose a selection of delicious-sounding small bites. For example, there's the Mangalore bun and Dorset crab sukkh, alongside pumpkin and zucchini fritters or even sweet canapes, like mango vodka and pistachio kulfi.
If a sit-down meal is on the cards, take a look at the sample dining menu which starts with small bites like crispy khakhra with Pahli Hill chilli chutney, followed by small plates a selection of mains across the Tandoor and grill, or 'big plates' offering. We like the sound of the homestyle fish curry with wild halibut, mussels, tomato, green mango, tamarind and coconut.
Perhaps you'd like to treat your guests to an extended evening of revelry and take over the downstairs bar, Bandra Bhai, too. Or, if drinks were only ever on the menu, this is a great place to host your own little private party. Themed on the underground dealings of smugglers, this 'delightfully tacky' bar is a whirlwind of velvet seating, gaudy wallpapers and neon signs - it's so wrong, it's right. Here, you can host 40 people standing or 30 people seated, with options to take over just half of the bar for 24 people, too.