Set in the former Queen Adelaide on Uxbridge Road, Talli Queen is a neighbourhood pub with a difference, blending the familiar comforts of a classic London local with the rich drinking and dining traditions of India. The project comes from chef Avi Shashidhara, whose CV includes a decade at The River Café, a Michelin Bib Gourmand for Fitzrovia restaurant Pahli Hill, and victory in the starter course of Great British Menu 2023.
Inspired by years of travelling across India, Talli Queen draws influence from Kerala's toddy shops, Bangalore's lively neighbourhood bars, military canteens in southern India and the bustling kebab joints of Lucknow. The result is a pub where food and drink take equal billing, creating a relaxed, all-day space for pints, snacks, family lunches and leisurely dinners.
At the heart of the kitchen is a charcoal grill and tandoor, turning out a menu designed for sharing and grazing rather than formal courses. Expect everything from breads and bar snacks to larger plates and generous sharing dishes. Signature recipes include Shashidhara's award-winning papadi chaat, alongside military canteen-style meatballs, toddy shop clams, chicken and liver pepper fry, Kerala chilli beef, Bangalore-inspired dosa and Lucknow-style kulcha served with kebabs and fragrant goat nihari. Sundays see an Indian spin on the traditional pub roast, with family-style feasts featuring slow-cooked meats, biryani and dishes fresh from the grill.
The drinks programme is every bit as considered, offering 18 draught lines, cask ales, stout, a focused wine list, cocktails and a selection of Indian spirits, alongside house-made snacks for those dropping in for a quick drink.
Inside, original pub features sit alongside Indian design influences, with restored wood panelling, fireplaces and skylights complemented by reclaimed furniture, marble details and leather banquettes. A jasmine-framed terrace completes the picture, making Talli Queen a welcoming destination for drinking, dining and gathering from morning until evening.