Queen Victoria's favourite curry
An enthusiastic fan of India culture and cuisine, sample Queen Victoria's favourite curry recipe for yourself with this historic recipe.
23 Oct 2020
A favourite with British diners today, Indian cookery was given a boost in Great Britain when Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1877. The queen developed an interest in Indian culture, learning Urdu and even decorating a room in Osborne House, her Isle of Wight residence, according to Indian fashion. Furthermore, Queen Victoria was also keen to explore the country’s cuisine, and had two Indian servants gifted to her who could prepare authentic dishes for the monarch. It’s claimed that by the end of the 1880s, different varieties of curries were a staple of Queen Victoria’s weekly menu.
At The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace, diners have a chance to enjoy an Indian feast for themselves. Chef Arun Kumar heads up the kitchen and has worked closely with The Oyster Box Hotel’s Head Chef, Kevin Joseph, famed for his Curry Buffet, to create an authentic and utterly delicious menu. Snack on starters of Keema Samoosas and poppadums served with the traditional pickle, chutney and raita. Fragrant mains include a Natal lamb curry, butter chicken and a spicy beef Vindaloo. Round off your meal with a cooling Kulfi ice cream or fresh papaya sorbet.
Located just opposite Buckingham Palace, where Queen Victoria lived during her reign, The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace has its very own royal atmosphere. To experience the kind of Indian dishes that Queen Victoria would have enjoyed, learn how to make curried mutton cutlets with this historic recipe, thought to have been one of the Queen’s favourites.
Things to do
15th July - 10th September
Have a multisensory affair at the BBC Proms
Since 1895, London has been host to one of the world’s most celebrated classical music festivals – the BBC Proms. This rousing, eight-week affair, held at the Royal Albert Hall just a footstep away from guests staying at The Milestone, spotlights celebrated orchestras, singers, and musicians to deliver an enchanting spectacle of music. Encompassed within the milieu of the enchanting Royal Albert Hall, attendees can expect a vibrant and jubilant evening with a mix of classic and contemporary songs.
This year also boasts the first ever Earth Prom that marries imagery with natural sounds, spoken word, and music to pay tribute to our natural world in an exceptional audio-visual display.
Until 16th April 2023
Discover 'Africa Fashion' at the V&A
'Spanning iconic mid-20th century to contemporary creatives through photographs, textiles, music and the visual arts, Africa Fashion explores the vitality and global impact of a fashion scene as dynamic and varied as the continent itself.'
A visit to the V&A this August allows an exciting chance to explore one of the most exciting and eclectic exhibitions to date as the vibrancy if the African design scene takes centre stage. The collection showcases over 250 items sourced from the personal archives of iconic creatives, as well as sketches, catwalk footage, and protest posters, all of which combine to capture the influence of fashion on the continent's political history, liberation, and independence. This is an event not to be missed, and one that is particularly well located for guests staying at The Egerton which is a mere five minute walk from the V&A.
A favourite with British diners today, Indian cookery was given a boost in Great Britain when Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1877. The queen developed an interest in Indian culture, learning Urdu and even decorating a room in Osborne House, her Isle of Wight residence, according to Indian fashion. Furthermore, Queen Victoria was also keen to explore the country’s cuisine, and had two Indian servants gifted to her who could prepare authentic dishes for the monarch. It’s claimed that by the end of the 1880s, different varieties of curries were a staple of Queen Victoria’s weekly menu.
At The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace, diners have a chance to enjoy an Indian feast for themselves. Chef Arun Kumar heads up the kitchen and has worked closely with The Oyster Box Hotel’s Head Chef, Kevin Joseph, famed for his Curry Buffet, to create an authentic and utterly delicious menu. Snack on starters of Keema Samoosas and poppadums served with the traditional pickle, chutney and raita. Fragrant mains include a Natal lamb curry, butter chicken and a spicy beef Vindaloo. Round off your meal with a cooling Kulfi ice cream or fresh papaya sorbet.
Located just opposite Buckingham Palace, where Queen Victoria lived during her reign, The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace has its very own royal atmosphere. To experience the kind of Indian dishes that Queen Victoria would have enjoyed, learn how to make curried mutton cutlets with this historic recipe, thought to have been one of the Queen’s favourites.
Things to do with families
1st - 29th August
Indulge in the vibrancy of This Bright Land
Located in the courtyard of the renowned Somerset House, This Bright Land is ‘a summer celebration of community and culture’. The festival is built on the premise of joy and collaboration, with eclectic décor and a series of performances, music, talks, workshops and more.
The event’s sponsoring by luxury brands such as Jo Malone and Clinique, all of whom have their own dedicated wellness spaces within, combined with pop-up family film screenings from the Everyman make This Bright Land the perfect day out for families visiting London with children. There is even a grand, 35m Ferris wheel to immerse oneself within the all-encompassing London skyline.
12th - 13th August
Nina Kristofferson sings Billie Holiday
Listen to an award winning singer renowned for her talent in everything from jazz and blues to opera tell the story of Billie Holiday through musical flair. Alongside pianist Allan Rogers, Kristofferson will perform some of Holiday's most celebrated songs, including God bless the Child, Lover Man and Strange Fruit in an intimate concert.
Book now
