Hotel Café Royal Unveils Barbounia: A Culinary Marvel in the Heart of London

Hotel Café Royal Unveils Barbounia: A Culinary Marvel in the Heart of London

By Author

Published on February 1, 2024

Hotel Café Royal proudly introduces its newest dining jewel, Barbounia, situated in the heart of London's Regent Street. Overlooking the mesmerizing 700-pound Murano glass chandelier and reception designed by Piero Lissoni, Barbounia brings an authentic blend of Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the luxury hotel.

Crafted by Chef Alessandro Verdenelli, the menu seamlessly combines traditional cooking techniques with a modern touch, emphasizing top-tier ingredients locally and seasonally sourced. Barbounia, translating to red mullet in Greek, presents a comprehensive all-day dining menu with classic Mediterranean flavors, featuring fresh seafood, meat dishes, handmade pasta, and delightful pizzettas. Whether for a casual dinner with loved ones or a formal business lunch, guests can choose from an array of small plates, sharing platters, main dishes, salads, sides, and desserts.

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The appetizers and small plates include the Raw Counter, offering the Royal Platter for two, oysters, beef carpaccio, caviar, red tuna tartare with avocado and rocket, grilled octopus, and black truffle arancini with Parmesan cream. Main courses feature artisanal pasta creations like Lobster Tortelli with cherry tomatoes, bisque, and micro parsley, as well as Veal Milanese and fresh fish options such as Red Mullet with lemon and Provençal sauce.

Barbounia introduces its unique twist on the traditional ‘Aperitivo Hour’ with the ‘House Selection’—a shared platter of oysters, red prawns, langoustines with olives, Parmigiano, and truffle arancini, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or wine for £40 per person. This special offering is available from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Additionally, in line with the hotel’s family-friendly ethos, children under 12 years old are invited to dine on a complimentary basis.

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Barbounia is a delightful addition to the diverse culinary offerings at Hotel Café Royal, joining the likes of the two-Michelin starred restaurant Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal, Cakes & Bubbles by Albert Adrià, the renowned Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, and the Green Bar with its recently introduced menu centered around absinthe. Experience culinary excellence in the heart of London with Barbounia at Hotel Café Royal.


Snacks, Sips & Gains: Protein Finds a New Place in Indian Lifestyles

Snacks, Sips & Gains: Protein Finds a New Place in Indian Lifestyles

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

In a market where indulgence and health once stood at opposite ends, a quiet revolution is brewing—and it tastes like chocolate, nut butter, and flavored water. According to insights shared by Nikita from Rainmakers Consults, protein is emerging as the new everyday hero in India’s snacking and sipping culture.

“The narrative around protein has changed dramatically,” Nikita says. “It’s no longer just about fitness goals or gym routines. Indian consumers now want delicious, convenient, and functional products that make them feel good—without sacrificing taste.”

Here are three brands that are reimagining how protein fits into our daily lives:

SuperYou

Co-founded by Ranveer Singh and Nikunj Biyani, SuperYou is flipping the script on protein snacking. Their wafer-style protein bars are available in indulgent flavors like chocolate, choco-peanut butter, strawberry crème, cheese, and the newly launched coffee variant. The brand’s mission is simple: make protein fun, tasty, and part of your daily snack stack.

Twiddle

This mindful snacking brand, founded by Yuvraj Singh in collaboration with Alfinity Studios, puts plant-powered protein at the center of its nut-based spreads and energy bites. Crafted with almonds, cashews, roasted seeds, and sweetened naturally with jaggery, dates, and figs, Twiddle aims to offer clean indulgence that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. It’s a go-to for conscious consumers looking to fuel their day.

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Aquatein

As India’s first protein water brand, Aquatein is redefining how we hydrate. Co-founded by Ananth B. Prabhala and Mitisha A. Mehta, with Suniel Shetty as investor and brand ambassador, Aquatein infuses whey protein isolate into ready-to-drink flavored water. For consumers on the go, it’s a seamless way to increase protein intake without powders or shakes.

With India’s protein deficiency still a concern and wellness-oriented consumption on the rise, the timing couldn't be better. These brands are not just selling products—they’re reshaping habits, busting myths, and making protein feel deliciously accessible.

As Nikita puts it, “We’re at a point where health is finally meeting hedonism—and protein is the bridge.”

Stay tuned as we continue tracking how functional foods like these transform Indian grocery shelves—and our daily diets.


World Cocktail Day Recipes: 4 Festive Cocktails to Try from Ocho Mumbai & Carnival by Tresind

World Cocktail Day Recipes: 4 Festive Cocktails to Try from Ocho Mumbai & Carnival by Tresind

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to shake things up with something creative and delicious. To mark the occasion, Ocho Mumbai and Carnival by Tresind have shared four of their signature cocktail recipes—each one packed with personality, global inspiration, and plenty of festive flair.

MOCIÓN – by Palash Gaikwad, Ocho Mumbai

Inspired by: The essence of movement and natural fermentation

Ingredients:

  • 45 ml Dark Rum

  • 25 ml Cacao Liqueur

  • 30 ml Pineapple Tepache

  • ½ bar spoon Ginger Juice

  • 3 drops Bitters

  • 7.5 ml Lemon Cordial

  • Handful of Mint Leaves

  • Ginger Ale (to top)

  • Crushed Ice

  • Ginger (for garnish)

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients (except ginger ale and garnish) to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

  3. Strain into a clay cup with 4 ice cubes and mint leaves.

  4. Top with ginger ale and a layer of crushed ice.

Garnish: Mint sprig and dehydrated pineapple
Glassware: Clay cup with a small Mexican flag

Tasting Notes:
 A refreshing cocktail with tropical citrus, spice, and smooth depth.

DUALIDAD – by Palash Gaikwad, Ocho Mumbai

Inspired by: Contrasts and balance in flavor

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Bourbon Whiskey

  • 30 ml Pomegranate Juice

  • 15 ml Pomegranate Molasses

  • 15 ml Condensed Coconut Milk

  • 4–5 Fresh Basil Leaves

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake until chilled.

  3. Strain into a Tiffany rock glass.

  4. Top with black sesame coconut foam.

Garnish: Basil leaf
Glassware: Tiffany-style rock glass

Tasting Notes:
 Dry yet creamy, fruit-forward yet boozy—perfect for those who enjoy layered flavors.

CANDYFLIP – by Rahul Kamath, Carnival by Tresind

Inspired by: Cologne Carnival, Germany

Ingredients:

  • 20 ml Campari

  • 35 ml Fluffy Grapefruit Juice

  • 5 ml Lime Juice

  • 15 ml Thyme Syrup

  • Beer (to top)

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Method:

  1. Add Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and thyme syrup to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake briefly.

  3. Strain into a highball glass with ice.

  4. Top with beer and stir gently.

Garnish: Grapefruit twist or thyme sprig (optional)
Glassware: Highball glass

Tasting Notes:
 Bittersweet, citrusy, and playful—just like a carnival.

JAVA JAMBOREE – by Rahul Kamath, Carnival by Tresind

Inspired by: Notting Hill Carnival, London

Ingredients:

  • 40 ml Jim Beam

  • 20 ml In-house Coffee Liqueur

  • 20 ml Fresh Espresso

  • 5 ml Demerara Syrup

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Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

  3. Fine strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.

  4. Top with coconut-miso foam.

Glassware: Nick and Nora glass

Tasting Notes:
 Rich, bold, and full of soul—this is an espresso martini with a carnival twist.

These four drinks are more than just cocktails—they're a celebration of cultures, creativity, and craftsmanship. Try them at home and toast to World Cocktail Day in style!


A Sip of Bold: Muro Bengaluru’s “Sweet Chin Music” Breaks the Whisky Mold this World Whisky Day

A Sip of Bold: Muro Bengaluru’s “Sweet Chin Music” Breaks the Whisky Mold this World Whisky Day

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

This World Whisky Day, Bengaluru’s Muro invites you to skip the traditional pour and try something wildly inventive. Enter Sweet Chin Music—a cocktail that challenges the usual and delights the unexpected. Crafted by Sahil Essani, Muro’s ever-curious bar manager, this ₹895 signature concoction isn’t just a drink, it’s a full-on experience.

The base? A rich 45ml burnt butter whisky, delivering a savory depth from the very first sip. But that’s just the opening act. Shiitake essence and kombu hydrosol layer in earthy umami flavours, while a hint of banana syrup introduces mellow sweetness. Cacao and orange bitters tie it all together—sharp, smooth, and seriously well-balanced.

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Then comes the showstopper: a delicate strip of lavash, topped with coconut namelaka—a silky, creamy topping that serves as both garnish and dessert. It’s the kind of extra that turns a cocktail into a conversation starter.

With Sweet Chin Music, Sahil Essani doesn’t just make a drink—he tells a story, one rich with flavour, texture, and unexpected harmony. A bit strange? Definitely. A bit genius? Without question. This is mixology that dares to dream a little bigger.

Nikita from Rainmaker Consults shared this one-of-a-kind creation with us just in time for World Whisky Day—and we’re raising our glasses to the innovation.

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