The Great Indian gastro pub opens in Archway
Additionally, TGI will have a wide range of beers on tap including Guinness, Cobra and Beavertown
The Great Indian started life in entrepreneur Aman Dhir’s home kitchen and quickly evolved into a successful takeaway in Hackney, known as Great Indian. Now Dhir is bringing a new concept to a local Archway pub with.
The interiors of the pub, which has a 100-seater capacity, are split into casual seating and a more intimate dining area which is also available for private events. The dining room uses green tones and classic pub tiles, alongside “maximalist” wallpaper and rattan lightshades and furniture. The pub also features banquettes and stools by the “statement” green tile bar.
The menu is a journey across India with TV personality and 2025 Michelin recognition holder in Doha, Qatar, chef Jolly Singh using his 30 years’ experience to showcase the wealth of regional variations across the Indian subcontinent, with nods to classic pub dishes.
The pub offers a mix of small plates as well as larger dishes. Highlights include a Lamb Ghee Roast on Malabar bread Taco, Cafreal Tiger Prawns cooked in the tandoor with cloves, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar, and Chargrilled Chicken Liver served on top of fluffy naan.
Other dishes include TGI Butter Chicken, Slow Cooked Short Rib topped with curried mashed potato, and a Lamb Shank Pie, an entire spiced shank wrapped in pastry served with a saffron-cardamom sauce. The TGI menu also features beer bites and small plates, such as the Coastal Prawn Mini Dosas and the Jackfruit Croquettes.
A separate section champions Pao or Pav, India’s answer to the slider, with fillings like Goan Portuguese Confit Pork Belly with pickled cabbage and Tandoori Fried Chicken.
Each dish is inspired by chef Singh’s time travelling and working across India, with evidence of influence from neighbouring regions and colonial legacy. Alongside a huge bespoke tandoor oven, spices are toasted and blended fresh, and an array of freshly made sauces and chutneys are produced by the team.
Additionally, TGI will have a wide range of beers on tap including Guinness, Cobra and Beavertown. To ensure the drinks also match the food offering, a strong wine list and a cocktail menu with touches of regional Indian flavour profiles will be on offer.
The cocktail menu features drinks such as The Great Indian, made with kafir lime infused vodka, Sollasa, lime and curry leaves and the Imli Margarita, which is infused with tamarind and chilli.
In the coming weeks TGI will introduce weekend specials as well as tasting and bespoke event menus. A takeaway menu will be available for collection and delivery via Deliveroo or UberEATS.