Imperial Durbar is the first joint project of brother duo Nicholas and Alastair Heathcote who brought their marketing and hospitality management skills together in 2013 to create this iconic bar in the heart of Tooting.
Heavily influenced from the Heathcote bro’s childhood in Asia, Imperial Durbar’s new look features even more authentic attributes than before. A lush all-weather garden space has been created out the back with ornate flowers, terracotta tiling, bespoke hand-made Indian furniture, and a retractable roof that will keep guests covered and warm even in the winter.
Inside, the Durbar team have created an Indian sanctuary complete with traditional fabrics and furnishings alongside a turquoise, mint and muted green colour scheme that runs throughout. There’s also a wood burning fireplace to set the ambience among the rustic cabinets, sofas and tables all sourced from India. Cosy seating areas are also available to book for larger parties and include: ‘The Durbar Room’- a room with arches that look out onto the Indian vista and styled like an outdoor Indian terrace, and ‘The Library Snug’ – a cosy space next to the DJ booth with floor to ceiling bookshelves.
Not without its quirks, the Durbar is still keeping its famed telephone booth ordering system for guests to order food from. Another feast for the eyes comes in the form of the Indian Apothecary station which features all sorts of bell jars, kilners and pestle and mortars where Durbar’s infusion gurus use spices and herbs to create their own gins, spiced infusions and syrups which are all featured in the concoctions on the menu.
Guests will be able to stay entertained as they sip away during the weekends @ the Durbar as the DJ spins some chilled Indian lounge/house music. On Mondays guests will be able to enter the quiz for the chance to win cocktails, Indian dishes and money from the rollover jackpot as prizes. The Imperial Durbar also offers a special curry & beer deal every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evening which will include a starter, main, rice and beer.