With three sites in the West End of London (the other two can be found in Soho and Marble Arch), Hankies is a mini-chain of hotel restaurants which takes its inspiration from the cuisine of Indian and serves up dishes inspired by the street food fare of Delhi.
This Westbourne Terrace branch is part of The Chilworth hotel (itself a spin-off of the Montcalm brand) and the dining room matches the contemporary chic look of the rest of the hotel. Marble streaked floors and wood-panelled walls set a masculine and moody tone, but glittering chandeliers and mustard yellow banquette seating stops the room from feeling too austere.
The a la carte at Hankies is made up of a number of small plates designed to share, most of which are under a tenner (although you will of course need to order five or six between two to really feel full). The signature dish is the eponymous ‘hankies’, which refer not to what one uses to blow their nose, but rather a classic hand spun roti which is cooked on a searing Roomali Tawa and then neatly folded, so that it resembles a handkerchief. Fillings you can enjoy in your folded hankie include paneer with kale and halloumi or pulled lamb spare ribs slicked with a garlic and gur chutney.
Elsewhere on the menu, you will find small bites such as wild mushroom kachori with a truffle foam or crispy gold cod served with a spicy sour dip, while more substantial appetites can be satiated via the ‘grills’ section of the menu, which features chive and garlic prawns and chilli lamb chops.
Puddings are less authentically Indian, but still very fun - think a white chocolate cheesecake with a raspberry glaze or a sweet take on a samosa featuring apple and chocolate. To drink, sip on classic cocktails, wine or chai tea.