Three years back, London’s dining scene welcomed something it didn’t even know it was missing – BKC, short for Biryani Kebab Chai. From the very beginning, our goal wasn’t simply to open another Indian restaurant in the city. We wanted to recreate the magic of Lucknow’s royal kitchens, where recipes were more than food – they were heirlooms passed down through centuries. Bringing the rich flavours of Awadhi cuisine to a city that thrives on cultural diversity felt like the perfect pairing. London has always embraced global influences, but introducing the warmth of Lucknowi biryani, the tenderness of charcoal-grilled kebabs, and the aroma of freshly brewed chai into this mix was our way of adding a new chapter to its food story. Now, as BKC London celebrates its third anniversary, this moment feels less like a milestone for us and more like a shared celebration with the community that has walked this journey with us. Every plate served, every conversation over chai, every night that stretched late with friends and laughter – together, these moments have turned BKC into more than just a restaurant. For many, it’s become a familiar stop, a little slice of India in the heart of London, and above all, a space where memories are made. This isn’t just about looking back at three years in operation; it’s about raising a glass to the people who have supported us – our regulars, first-timers, food lovers, and everyone in between. BKC London is where stories unfold over food, and our anniversary is a thank-you to the city that embraced us so warmly.
When BKC London first opened in Marble Arch in 2022, it wasn’t just the launch of another Indian restaurant in the city – it was the beginning of a new flavour story. That first space quickly became more than four walls; it turned into a warm, buzzing corner where Londoners discovered the charm of Lucknowi dining. By the time Soho welcomed us in 2023, the excitement had already grown. With two homes in the city, BKC started weaving itself into London’s cultural fabric – places where food, conversations, and music collided to create nights people didn’t want to end. Behind every plate leaving our kitchen in the creative hand of Head Chef Arsh Thakur. His deep respect for age-old Awadhi cooking traditions blends seamlessly with his passion for the finest seasonal British ingredients. The result?
Dishes that carry the richness of India’s royal kitchens yet feel perfectly at home in modern London. Every item on the menu is crafted to be more than just food – it’s an experience. The Lucknowi biryani arrives fragrant, its long grains carrying whispers of saffron and spices that linger long after the first bite. Our kebabs, smoked to perfection over live charcoal, melt in the mouth with an intensity that only slow cooking can deliver. The Kathi rolls, with their fiery filling and flaky bread, offer the kind of street-style indulgence that London craves after a long day. And of course, nothing completes the journey quite like our aromatic chai – strong, spiced, and soulful, served steaming hot as if it came straight from a Lucknow roadside stall. But food is only half the story. The real magic lies in the people who walk through our doors. From families celebrating milestones, to friends sharing laughter over chai, to late-night diners chasing comfort in a bowl of biryani – it’s your stories, your love, and your loyalty that have carried us through these three years. BKC London isn’t just ours anymore – it belongs to everyone who has sat at our tables and made it part of their own London journey.
Marking three years in London calls for more than a toast – it calls for a celebration in true BKC style. Both our Soho and Marble Arch restaurants are being transformed with festive décor, turning every corner into a space buzzing with warmth and energy. Guests can expect an atmosphere where good food, great drinks, and lively company flow effortlessly. And because no milestone feels complete without a sweet moment, a specially crafted anniversary cake will take centre stage – a symbol of not just BKC’s journey, but the memories we’ve created together with you.
To make our third anniversary even more memorable, we’ve joined hands with Kingfisher, a name that’s as much about good times as it is about great beer. Together, we’re rolling out a photo contest designed to capture the spirit of BKC London in all its flavour and flair. Think laughter over biryani, friends clinking glasses, or that perfect shot of chai steam curling in the air – these are the moments we want you to frame. Share your snapshots, raise a toast with Kingfisher, and you might just walk away with prizes that make the celebrations even sweeter.
A celebration feels complete only when everyone’s part of it, and that’s exactly why we’re treating every guest to a 10% discount throughout our anniversary week. Whether you swing by BKC London for a steaming cup of chai, gather your crew for pints and small plates, or sit down to indulge in a full spread of Awadhi classics, this offer is our way of raising a glass with you. It’s a simple thank-you for three unforgettable years, and an open invitation to keep the memories coming.
The anniversary buzz goes well beyond our tables this year. We’ve teamed up with Sunrise Radio, London’s favourite Desi station, to carry the BKC London spirit across the airwaves. From exclusive interviews and playful shout-outs to curated on-air moments, the celebration is designed to reach listeners wherever they are. It’s the perfect pairing – the city’s go-to radio for South Asian beats joining hands with the kitchen that’s become a destination for authentic Awadhi cuisine in London. Together, we’re turning three years of BKC into a city-wide party.
When we glance back at these three years, it’s never just about plates and glass
es. It’s the laughter of families filling our corners, the clink of chai cups that turned strangers into mates, and the wide-eyed smiles of Londoners tasting Awadhi flavours for the very first time. BKC has grown into more than a dining spot – it’s become a gathering ground where stories, cultures, and food come together. Now, as we toast to year three, our vision stretches far beyond the present. Think bolder flavours that linger, nights that pulse with even more energy, and moments so vivid they’ll stay with you long after the lights dim. This is only the beginning – the best chapters of BKC are still waiting to be written.
So here’s your invitation: join us as BKC London turns 3. Come for the biryani, stay for the kebabs, sip on the chai, and raise a glass with us. With vibrant décor, a slice of cake, Kingfisher’s photo contest, exclusive Sunrise Radio tie-ups, and a little thank-you in the form of a 10% discount, this is one birthday you won’t want to miss. Because at BKC – every celebration is about food, people, and moments that matter.
Three years in, and the journey’s just getting started.