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.


UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2026

UK-founded Asian fusion quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Oodles Wok has announced its entry into India, marking its fifth international market. The brand has partnered with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India Group, to support its expansion through franchise development and local partnerships.

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok began as a family-owned restaurant with a focus on making freshly prepared, flavour-led Asian fusion food accessible to a wider audience. Over the past 16 years, it has grown into a multi-award-winning international restaurant franchise with more than 50 locations across the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Qatar.

India will become the brand's fifth market as it looks to extend its international footprint and tap into the country's established quick-service restaurant sector.

Bringing the Oodles Wok Experience to India

A key feature of the brand's offering is its signature Build Your Own Box concept, which allows customers to customise meals by selecting from a range of bases, sauces and freshly wok-prepared dishes.

The format combines live cooking, customisation and Asian-inspired flavours within an accessible QSR dining model. Oodles Wok aims to bring this experience to Indian consumers while building a presence suited to the local market.

Through its partnership with FranGlobal, the company will focus on franchise development, identifying local partners and establishing a foundation for long-term growth. Further details about its launch plans and expansion roadmap in India are expected to be announced in due course.

Commenting on the expansion, Shoyab Umar, Founder and CEO of Oodles Wok, said, "Expanding into India as our fifth market is another huge milestone for us, especially with its incredible food culture and appreciation for bold flavours. We're looking forward to introducing Oodles Wok to a whole new audience and continuing our journey as a global brand."

Ismail Patel, Co-Founder and COO of Oodles Wok, added, "As we enter this vibrant market, our focus is on building strong local partnerships, delivering the Oodles Wok experience and creating a brand that Indian customers can connect with."

Strengthening Its International Franchise Network

The India expansion forms part of Oodles Wok's wider strategy to strengthen its position as an international Asian fusion QSR franchise. Its existing presence across four markets provides a base for further growth through franchise partnerships.

For the Indian market, the partnership with FranGlobal will be central to developing the brand's franchise network and identifying opportunities for expansion. The approach will need to bring together the brand's established menu concept and operating model with local market requirements.

With more than 50 locations across its existing markets, Oodles Wok is now looking to build its next phase of international growth in India.

About Oodles Wok

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok is an Asian fusion quick-service restaurant brand specialising in freshly prepared, wok-cooked dishes. Its signature Build Your Own Box concept allows customers to customise meals with different bases, sauces and ingredients. The brand currently operates more than 50 locations across the UK, UAE, Canada and Qatar


Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2026

Quattro has opened its second restaurant in Mumbai at Sky City Mall, Borivali, bringing its premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs. The opening marks 15 years of the brand's culinary journey and introduces a refreshed dining experience with redesigned interiors and an enhanced menu.

The new restaurant offers 66 indoor seats and 43 outdoor seats on a terrace overlooking the surrounding area. Designed to complement the mall's contemporary setting, the space features abundant natural light and striking interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere for family meals, social gatherings and special occasions.

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The addition further strengthens Sky City Mall's food and beverage offering, giving visitors another dining option alongside its retail and lifestyle experiences. Located in Borivali, the mall caters to residents and visitors across Mumbai's western suburbs, including those looking for vegetarian dining options.

For Quattro, the opening marks a new phase of growth as it builds on the success of its Lower Parel restaurant. The brand has reworked its identity, interiors and menu while continuing to focus on authentic Italian and Mexican flavours, quality ingredients and consistency.

Speaking about the launch, Aditya Gupta and Anuj Gupta, Founders of Gupta Brands, said, “Quattro was born from the idea to give an authentic Italian and Mexican premium dining experience to the guest. We didn’t want to give the same Indianized version of the cuisines to guests. We spent months sourcing ingredients like tomatoes from Italy, chillis from Mexico and then subsequent months of trials to get a unique dining experience that did justice to the cuisines. We went to great lengths to source our cheese without animal rennet. Chocolate was sourced from Belgium to give it the rich deep flavours of real chocolate in our desserts.

“With the success of Lower Parel, we are excited to bring the brand to Borivali. After 15 years of the brand, we have spent months redesigning and reimaging the brand, to bring a completely new dining experience for the guests, whilst retaining the same brand values and quality. We hope to become a restaurant that guests think of not just for celebrations, but for everyday dining with family and friends.”

Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said, “At Sky City Mall, our vision is to create a vibrant destination that brings together retail, dining and lifestyle experiences for the community. The arrival of Quattro further strengthens our evolving food and beverage offering, bringing its distinctive take on Italian and Mexican vegetarian cuisine to our rooftop, which is emerging as a lively destination for dining and social experiences. We look forward to welcoming Quattro and giving visitors yet another reason to make Sky City Mall a destination for dining, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.”

The launch reflects Sky City Mall's continued focus on expanding its dining options and creating spaces where visitors can shop, dine and spend time with family and friends.

Following the opening in Borivali, Quattro is preparing for further expansion, building on its 15-year journey and the response to its Lower Parel restaurant.


Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Halloween gets a darker and sweeter twist at Kura, the specialty coffee and all-day dining space on Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The café has introduced 'Halloween After Dark', a limited-edition dessert and bakes menu that brings the season's playful and mysterious side to the table.

Built around the tagline Not Everything Sweet Is Innocent, the menu has been created by Kura's culinary team, combining bold colours, interesting flavours and creative presentation. The collection features three special creations that give familiar treats a Halloween-inspired makeover.

The first offering, The Black Magic Apple, brings a dark twist to the classic fruit, with a presentation designed to tempt dessert lovers. Bloody Velvet puts a Halloween spin on red velvet with its rich flavour and creamy texture, while Devil's Double Croissants adds a playful touch to the menu with its striking red-and-black theme. Each creation reflects the fun and slightly wicked spirit of Halloween while staying true to Kura's style.

The limited-edition menu will be available at Kura until 31st October, giving guests a chance to try the seasonal creations before they disappear. The Halloween specials will be served alongside the café's regular menu, which will continue as usual.

With its mix of creative desserts, distinctive presentation and seasonal flavours, Halloween After Dark offers Bengaluru's dessert lovers another way to enjoy the Halloween season.

Quick Facts

  • Address: Craig Park Layout, 26, Stage 3, Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday–Sunday)
  • Menu Availability: Until 31st October.

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