Spice And Success
Madhu’s legacy as culinary masters of British Indian cuisine, at home and abroad
For over four decades, Madhu’s have been masters of the catering scene. Pioneering what high-end weddings and five-star functions should be. By blending the rich, aromatic flavours of India, via Kenya, teamed with the finest hospitality and innovation, Madhu’s is the brand that the wedding industry looks to for advice and inspiration. Chairman Sanjay Anand MBE followed in his own grandfather’s footsteps to create a culinary empire that has seen them become the preferred suppliers for the most prestigious wedding venues in the UK. But their journey isn’t just about food. Their success lies in the family behind the business and the incredible innovations they’ve launched, setting the standard for what Asian wedding catering can be. Asiana is proud to have partnered with Madhu’s since the magazine was first published and since the launch of our first Asiana Bridal Show.
The feeling of gratitude is mutual, as Sanjay enthuses: “Asiana was and still is the leading media brand for the Asian wedding industry. Back in the day, before the designer explosion in India, copies of Asiana were the go-to bible for all the trendy Delhi and Mumbai shops. People in India were copying designs by British Asian designers but while that’s now changed, the creative eye for detail and the fashion know-how of the Asiana team gives them the cutting edge that other magazines lack. As a result, the Madhu’s trademark ‘M-Logo’ advert has graced the back cover of the magazine since it first launched 20 years ago – and it is still there today.”
Chairman Sanjay Anand MBE and his son Arjun
The Madhu’s Journey
Madhu’s have been a pioneering name in UK catering and fine dining, delivering exceptional culinary experiences for over 44 years. Established as a family-run business, it represents a legacy of four generations dedicated to excellence.
The story began in 1935 in Nairobi, Kenya, with Bishan Das Anand’s catering business, which expanded to the renowned Brilliant Hotel in 1957. Inspired by their grandfather’s achievements, Sanjay and Sanjeev Anand opened Madhu’s Brilliant in 1980, with the restaurant’s name honouring their father, Jagdish Kumar Anand, affectionately known as Madhu. Krishna Kumari Anand, their mother and head chef, was integral to its success.
Over the years, Madhu’s has garnered numerous accolades, including the Best Restaurant award from the Cobra Good Curry Guide and multiple personal honours for Sanjay Anand, including an MBE in 2007 for his contribution to hospitality in the UK. More recently, they featuring in a Financial Times, Laurent Perrier champagne campaign pairing the new Heritage LP champagne with a new menu designed by Madhu’s creative chef Poonam Ball.
Four decades on from the beginning, Madhu’s remains committed to its ethos: “To enable our clients to be guests at their own function, blending decades of experience, gourmet mastery, and unparalleled service.”
A Taste of Madhu’s
Where to sample the finest Indian catering in the world
Though the story began in Southall, the Madhu’s reputation has led them to opening branches in locations at some of the most prestigious hotels in the UK. You can now dine at Madhu’s Heathrow, Madhu’s at The Grove and Madhu’s of Mayfair at The Dilly Hotel in Piccadilly. Their catering is recommended by the most elite hotels in the capital – so if you’re marrying at Savoy London, The Landmark London, The Peninsula, Fairmont Windsor or even inside The Natural History Museum, Madhu’s can provide your catering. Whether you opt for traditional karahi stands (which Sanjay invented) or their signature Royal Thali, which is the most luxurious thali experience in the country, you’ll be in for a treat.
Eastern Elegance
Madhu’s expansion into Istanbul
In 2022, Madhu’s expanded into their first international venture, marking a milestone for the brand while elevating the British Asian catering scene in the UK, taking it to whole new level.
Opening an Indian restaurant inside Swissotel The Bosphorus has changed the landscape of eating out in Istanbul, a city which was already considered a dining heaven for foodies. Now, Indian food is on the map too.
Swissotel The Bosphorus is a five-star luxury hotel right in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. It’s nestled within 65 acres of historical gardens with world-class shopping and vibrant nightlife nearby, making it one of the most desirable spots in the city.
Asiana was the first media to cover the expansion and Sanjay recalls what is was like breaking the news. “I never would have imagined we would take Madhu’s global and when the hotel asked us, I immediately thought it wouldn’t be possible. When we did a feature about the opening in Asiana is was early days and we had no idea if it would be a success. But two years on, the restaurant is thriving and it’s been so successful that we now offer catering services too. The hotel is the perfect wedding venue and we highly recommend it to couples seeking a destination wedding, but if you want to celebrate elsewhere in Istanbul, or in wider Turkey, you can book us to provide the catering.”
And though Madhu’s are known for their Indian dining experience, their chefs are global food specialists and are happy to cook up whichever flavours you favour including Chinese, French, Lebanese, Thai, Mexican, and even sushi – the choice is yours.
From Turkey With Love
Tie the knot in a magical destination steeped in culture, history and romance
Madhu’s expansion into Istanbul with their fine-dining restaurant at Swissotel The Bosphorus is just the beginning of their journey in Turkey. They’ve hosted luxury weddings in Istanbul, working alongside specialist wedding providers where couples get the best Indian food in the city courtesy of Madhu’s, while the finer details are in the hands of their trusted partners.
But there’s much more to Turkey than city life. The Madhu’s team have partnered with international wedding experts Destination Snob who specialise in organising dream weddings in Bodrum and Antalya, two popular beachfront resorts that give couples a real taste of Turkish delight.
Poonam Ball, Creative Chef and Marketing Director at Madhu’s, shares her excitement about this new collaboration: “Since we opened at Swissotel The Bosphorus in 2022, we’ve got to know and appreciate the generosity of Turkish hospitality. It’s the only country in the world that is in Europe and Asia and it offers the best of both worlds. As we started talking to and meeting clients we realised that Istanbul is a gateway to the rest of this beautiful country. Couples come here seeking the best of what the country has to offer so I’m pleased that we can now be part of their wedding wherever it takes place.”
Double Delights
What makes Turkey a perfect destination for Asian weddings? Parvy Rakar Founder and Creative Designer of Destination Snob (www.destinationsnob.com) explains: “Turkey has become a popular destination for Asian weddings due to its cultural richness and outstanding hospitality. Many of the hotels and resorts have different event spaces, making them suitable for the multi-day events that are typical of Asian weddings. Turkish venues and suppliers are often experienced in accommodating diverse wedding traditions including Hindu wedding ceremonies and nikkahs. They’re also experienced in accommodating the unique requirements of large-scale Indian weddings, delivering them with the utmost quality and attention to detail. Turkey’s location between Asia and Europe makes it easily accessible with Istanbul, which is well-connected by direct flights from major cities worldwide. So if family and friends are joining you from different countries, they will appreciate the location.”
Destination Snob’s services include managing guest logistics like flights, accommodation and booking excursions. They also bring a wedding to life through děcor and all the other service providers that are required, including the all-important catering. Parvy explains: “Our partnership with Madhu’s ensures a seamless experience for couples by dividing responsibilities in a way that plays to each team’s strengths. Madhu’s handles all catering needs, bringing their renowned culinary expertise, while we coordinate all local suppliers, manage logistics, and workly closely with our trusted partners in Turkey.”
It’s worth knowing that it’s possible to have your civil wedding in Turkey but most couples have a symbolic or religious ceremony abroad and have their civil ceremony in the UK for ease
Beautiful Bodrum
Couples adore Bodrum for its natural beauty, witnessed wherever you go. There are breathtaking views from nearly every venue on the peninsula. Many of them feature stunning deck areas that offer an intimate setting, where couples can exchange vows with the sea as their backdrop against the soothing sounds of the waves in the background. This natural ambience creates a memorable, romantic atmosphere.
One of the unique perks of Bodrum’s boutique hotels is the possibility of a full resort buyout, making it an exclusive experience for the wedding party and guests. This allows for exceptional personalisation; customising event locations and setting flexible timings. It’s VIP touches like these, not offered in other places that makes a bespoke wedding in Bodrum such an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Alluring Antalya
Antalya is the no.1 choice for large-scale Indian weddings because it has spacious resorts and abundant event spaces. One major advantage of Antalya is the ultra-all-inclusive model at most resorts, meaning the wedding party pays only a small additional amount for event-specific meals and drinks. Between events, guests have access to food and drinks around the clock, simplifying arrangements and relieving hosts of constant meal-planning responsibilities.
Antalya’s warmer climate is another asset. With sunshine from March to November, it offers a longer wedding season compared to Bodrum, where peak weather spans from late April to October. This extended period of warmth gives couples more flexibility in planning their special day. Options include holding your sangeet in lush greenery, having a sports day on the beach culminating in a vibrant holi party and having a candlelit ceremony set against the breathtaking backdrop of the sea. For an unforgettable grand entrance, at some hotels, couples can even arrive by boat or quad bike adding an element of excitement and adventure. This unique combination of luxury, personalisation, and creativity exemplifies the magic of a destination wedding in Turkey.
And once the celebrations are over, you’re in the perfect location to head to your honeymoon. Many couples start with Cappadocia, home of Turkey’s famous hot air balloon experiences.
All images by Didar Virdi shot in Bodrum courtesy of Destination Snob
Get Social