The venue will occupy the former Queen Adelaide on Uxbridge Road, transforming the 120-year-old building into a 120-cover pub featuring a central bar, open kitchen, dining room and terrace.
The menu will centre on a charcoal grill and tandoor, with dishes designed to be ordered freely rather than in courses. Guests can expect snacks, breads, small plates, larger plates and sharing cuts.
Alongside Shashidhara’s Great British Menu papadi chaat, dishes will include Kerala chilli beef with fresh coconut and curry leaves; chicken and liver pepper fry; military canteen-style meatballs; Bangalore-inspired dosa; and kulcha - a traditional flatbread from Lucknow - served with kebabs and goat nihari. On Sundays a family-style Indian take on the traditional British roast will be served, with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, biryani, and meats from the charcoal grill and tandoor brought to the table to share.
Seasonal British produce and Indian ingredients will underpin the menu, which will evolve regularly throughout the year.
The drinks list will include 18 draught beers, cask ales, stout, wines, cocktails and a selection of Indian spirits, including Mahua, alongside house-made bar snacks.
The interiors will retain many of the former pub’s original features, such as the original wood panelling, fireplaces, skylights and arched windows, while incorporating design influences and materials sourced from across India, including Red Levanto marble from Rajasthan and ‘Cognac Old English Leather’ banquettes.
Talli Queen is the latest venture from Shashidhara, whose Fitzrovia restaurant Pahli Hill earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year and who won the starter course on the 2023 series of Great British Menu.
“The inspiration for Talli Queen comes from the places I love spending time in across India,” says Shashidhara.
“Toddy shops, military canteens and neighbourhood bars are where eating and drinking naturally go hand in hand and where some of the country’s most memorable food is found. We’ve taken that spirit and brought it into a proper London pub.
“Somewhere people can drop in for a pint, stay for dinner, bring the family on a Sunday or simply spend an afternoon with friends. That’s exactly the sort of place I’ve always wanted to create.”
Shashidhara will be joined by operations director James McLean, who has previously worked with The Oarsman in Marlow.