A multi-award winning Blackheath restaurant serving Nepalese food and uniquely crafted cocktails is a favourite among Bollywood stars.
Located on Montpelier Vale, the Everest Inn is part of a 20-year-old family-run chain of restaurants in Kent, which has now expanded into Scotland, Ashford and south east London.
The business serves fine Nepalese dishes, celebrating the “diverse cuisine and culinary traditions” of the country, alongside a range of classic Indian dishes like Biryani and Tikka Masala.
Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include signature dishes like the samosa chaat and scallops along with dishes like lamb shank, lakeside fish and Hariwali lamb.
The restaurant is located on the site of the former popular Laughing Buddha restaurant, which was in situ in Blackheath up until 2008.
The restaurant was famously known for its iconic laughing buddha statue, which is now in residence in the garden of restaurant manager Yadav Bhandari.
Owner Yadav Bhandari described the restaurant as “cosy” and “home-like”, with a family-focused feel and community spirit.
The décor pays tribute to the business’s Nepali roots with earthy tones, handcrafted wooden carvings and a whole rack of Nepali spices lining the staircase.
Yadav said: “Our award-winning Nepali restaurant has been serving the community for nearly 20 years and prides itself on authenticity and a family-oriented atmosphere.
“Everyone is family here, and we feel a real sense of community.”
The drinks menu similarly showcases Nepal and North Indian regions, with a wine menu of Indian wines and Nepali beers.
For cocktail lovers the restaurant also offers a small menu of crafted cocktails all inspired by the different regions of Nepal, with flavours and names to pay homage to them.
One of their most popular cocktails is the ‘Jiri’, a take on a traditional mojito with Timur gin, mint, lime and lychee to showcase the citrus flavours found in the region.
Over the years the restaurant has won many awards including Best Nepalese Restaurant in the UK by the Asian Curry Awards and the British Curry Awards.
Recently, the restaurant celebrated a huge success after catering for an event at 10 Downing Street, to celebrate the centenary of the friendship treaty between the UK and Nepal, where they catered for prestigious figures and diplomats.
Yadav explained: "We are truly honoured to have been chosen to represent Nepali cuisine at such a prestigious event, our team is dedicated to showcasing the authentic flavours of Nepal and promoting cultural exchange through food.
"It was a remarkable experience to see our culinary creations enjoyed by esteemed guests at 10 Downing Street, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the UK and Nepal.“
But it’s not just politicians who enjoy the food, the restaurant is also a favourite with Bollywood stars, footballers and even Joanna Lumley OBE, who have all dined at the restaurant over the years.
Yadav said: “Everest Inn is a community restaurant and we have built outstanding relationships with our customers over the years.
“Our famous guests include the Prime Minister of Nepal, various other ministers, and Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities such as Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma. We've also had the honour of hosting esteemed personalities like Joanna Lumley OBE and footballer Sol Campbell.”
However, for Yadav, the restaurant also has a community side and has supported various charities and causes through catering and private events over its many years in business.
Yadav said: “As an integral part of the community, we are deeply committed to giving back and supporting charitable initiatives.
“We have actively participated in fundraising efforts, including supplying over 30,000 free meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is paramount to us to continue this tradition of giving, and we are always eager to collaborate with new charities to extend our support and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
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