Empire Empire, a 'disco-themed' Indian restaurant in Notting Hill that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is expanding with a second location in Marylebone. The new branch will be housed in the Grade II listed former Westmoreland Arms pub at 34 George Street, a space previously occupied by the Japanese restaurant Defune.
Expansion Details
The original Empire Empire, located on All Saints Road, opened in 2023 and specializes in Punjabi cuisine. It was awarded the Bib Gourmand, Michelin's recognition for affordable fine dining. Judges particularly praised the butter chicken and the King Prawns Kadhai Masala, describing the latter as 'a prime demonstration of the kitchen's skill with flavours.' The restaurant is owned by Harneet Baweja, who also runs the Gunpowder mini-chain with sites in Spitalfields and Soho, though the Tower Bridge branch recently closed.
The new Marylebone site is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. It will feature a ground-floor dining room and a basement 'pub' with two private dining rooms and a bar. Baweja, who lives in Marylebone, said: 'Having lived in Marylebone for years I have seen first-hand the community that it is known for, both among locals and those further afield and feel that the concept lends itself perfectly to a reimagined pub environment.'
Menu and Atmosphere
Empire Empire's current menu includes lamb chops, beef seekh kebabs, lobster biriyani, king prawn masala, dal makhani, and gulab jamun cheesecake. The original location features a custom-made, vinyl-only jukebox playing 1970s Indian disco music, a theme that may extend to the new site.
The expansion reflects the growing popularity of Indian cuisine in London's fine dining scene. Empire Empire's Bib Gourmand recognition highlights its commitment to quality at accessible prices, and the new Marylebone location is poised to bring its unique blend of Punjabi flavors and disco ambiance to a new audience.
