London’s Indian dining scene is a competitive one, with restaurants constantly trying to strike the perfect balance between authenticity, innovation, and ambience. Bambi Stanmore, a relatively well-known name, has positioned itself as a stylish, modern spot with an undeniably vibrant vibe. But when it comes to the food, does it live up to the hype?
The Ambience: A city vibe worth experiencing in London
Bambi Stanmore certainly understands aesthetics. From the moment you step in, the place gives off an urban, city-like energy – trendy, dimly lit, and effortlessly chic. The music is carefully curated, adding to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for social gatherings, date nights, or even a celebratory dinner. The restaurant has recently introduced themed nights such as Ladies’ Night to keep the buzz alive, and even welcomed singer Vish to entertain guests, adding a dynamic layer to the experience.
The setting is stylish and lively, offering a true city vibe. Great for those seeking a vibrant night out.
The Food: A mixed bag of hits and misses
While the ambience certainly makes an impression, the food experience at Bambi is a bit of a paradox. If you’re a meat eater you will be disappointed, but if you like your veggies you’re in for a treat.
The Soya Chaap, for instance, is one of the best items on the menu it’s flavourful, well-spiced, and cooked to perfection. It carries that rich, smoky taste that makes it a true standout. However, the same can’t be said for the Chicken Lollipop, which felt lacklustre, and the Chicken 65, which didn’t quite hit the mark.
The most disappointing dish, however, was their signature Old Delhi-style Butter Chicken, which is a name that sets high expectations but, unfortunately, fell flat. The lack of spice and depth made it hard to truly appreciate, especially for those who know what real Delhi flavours taste like. After all, can we really compare authenticity?
Vegetarian options score well, but the non-veg dishes fall short of expectations. For an Indian restaurant, a lack of spice is a major letdown.
Final Verdict: More scene than spice
Bambi Stanmore ticks all the right boxes when it comes to ambience and drinks and it’s a place where cocktails take centre stage. The atmosphere is undeniably engaging. However, for those looking for true Indian flavours with the depth, spice, and richness that define the cuisine, this may not be the best choice. Personally, I visited for my brother’s birthday last week, mostly because my mother was excited about it after spotting it on Instagram. While I’m glad we got to experience the setting, the food left a lot to be desired. It’s a place that prioritises aesthetics and social experiences over true culinary excellence.
Great for a night out, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, but falls short when it comes to delivering authentic and flavourful Indian cuisine.
Would I return? Maybe for the cocktails and the city vibe, but not for the food.
Dining Experience:
The £100 for 4 people, including drinks, comes to £25 per person, which is the average you’d expect to pay for starters, mains, and drinks. However, compared to other options, the lack of desserts and underwhelming non-veg dishes made it hard to justify the cost. As a result, the overall experience felt like it didn’t offer value for money. The absence of dessert options and the underwhelming quality of some dishes left us wanting more, ultimately impacting the value of the meal.
RATING:
Ambience: 4/5
Taste: 2.5/5
Value for Money: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
