The Madhu’s Legacy
From Nairobi to London, Madhu’s has spent more than four decades redefining wedding catering, combining authentic Punjabi cuisine with a Kenyan twist. The secret to their success? Read on to discover…
When it comes to Asian weddings, food is never just food. It’s heritage, hospitality, generosity and quite often, one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Something Madhu’s have understood from day one.
For more than 44 years, the family-run business has been transforming the way Asian weddings and luxury events are catered, combining the bold, aromatic flavours of India with a legacy that began in Kenya, exceptional service and a constant appetite for innovation. Something all members of the Madhu’s family behind the brand are passionate about, including Sanjay’s son Arjun who is Madhu’s Director.
But the story begins with Chairman Sanjay Anand MBE, who followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Bishan Das Anand, to build Madhu’s in Southall, a restaurant that became one of the UK’s most recognisable names in Indian catering. Today, the company is a trusted catering partner at some of the country’s most prestigious venues including The Landmark London and The Grove. They’ve also catered for the British Royal Family, politicians, numerous celebrities and operate a number of restaurants in the UK as well as a fine dining restaurant at the Swissotel The Bosphorus, a five-star luxury hotel right in the centre of Istanbul.
“We have always believed that catering should be about more than just food on a plate,” says Sanjay. “It’s about creating an experience that feels effortless for the couple and unforgettable for their guests. When everything comes together, the food, the service, the presentation and the atmosphere, we know we’ve done our job.”
The relationship between Madhu’s and Asiana also has its own long-standing history. The two brands have worked together since the magazine’s earliest days and since the launch of the first Asiana Bridal Show.
The Madhu’s Journey
Over the years, Madhu’s has earned numerous accolades, including recognition from the Cobra Good Curry Guide, while Sanjay’s contribution to hospitality was recognised with an MBE in 2007.
The brand continues to evolve, too. They were featured in a Financial Times Laurent-Perrier champagne campaign, pairing the newly launched Heritage LP champagne with an original menu created by Madhu’s creative chef Poonam Ball.
Madhu’s also famously pioneered the karahi stand, while their signature Royal Thali is an indulgent version of a traditional thali. 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 desire including Chinese, French, Lebanese, Thai, Mexican, and even sushi.
Despite the accolades, global expansion and high-profile collaborations, perhaps the real secret behind Madhu’s success is that it has never stood still. The family has continued to honour their heritage while looking towards the future, pushing the boundaries of Indian food, and that’s what sets them apart.
Mayfair Reimagined
The family’s fine dining restaurant Madhu’s of Mayfair at The Dilly Hotel has just been re-launched, securing its spot as the place to dine in central London, whatever the time of day.
When Madhu’s brought Indian fine dining to the heart of Piccadilly, by opening a restaurant in 2021 inside the grade II listed The Dilly, it was the perfect pairing: a five-star hotel and a five-star meal. But they don’t like to take anything for granted and after five years it was time for a revamp of the space and their offerings.
Located in The Oak Room at The Dilly it’s a space characterised by ornate wood panelling, chandeliers and an unmistakable sense of grandeur. Its historic character creates a natural dialogue between the heritage of Madhu’s and the sophistication of contemporary Mayfair.
The main restaurant accommodates up to 120 guests, while the lounge offers a more intimate environment for cocktails, receptions and informal gatherings. The dining is complemented by an extensive wine programme featuring 270 selections, curated by James Davis MW, bringing expertise and considered curation to the restaurant’s drinks offering.
But most exciting of all is that you can now enjoy Madhu’s cuisine any time of the day. From September 2026, the restaurant will extend its opening hours by introducing breakfast from 07:00 to 11:00.
High Chai is also served daily from 12:00 to 15:00, bringing the brand’s Indian culinary influence to the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea.
From 17:00 to 19:00, their new Pre-Theatre Menu offers an elegant dining experience for guests heading into London’s West End, while dinner continues through the evening, with À La Carte and Tasting Menus offering different ways to experience the cuisine.
From Mayfair to Istanbul
Following the success of the fine dining experience at Madhu’s of Mayfair, the Madhu’s team opened their first international restaurant in 2022 at Swissotel The Bosphorus.
It’s the first and only Indian fine dining restaurant in the city and it has revolutionalised the dining scene in Istanbul for tourists and locals.
Taking their experience abroad has been one of the most exciting challenges Sanjay, Arjun, Poonam and the team have faced as Sanjay explains: “We taught our chefs in Turkey our authentic Madhu’s recipes and just as importantly spent time finding the right suppliers who are local and will guarantee the quality of ingredients you can expect from Madhu’s.”
A taste of Turkey
You’ll find dishes on the menu at Madhu’s Istanbul that you won’t find anywhere else. Director Arjun Anand explains: “Each of our restaurants is a guaranteed gastronomic experience but you’ll also find that the décor and ambience differs. Every restaurant we open takes its inspiration from the surroundings and this inspires the décor and the menu. There’s a Turkish twist at Madhu’s Istanbul which our diners appreciate.”
Destination weddings in Istanbul
But it’s not just a lavish meal that awaits you at Madhu’s Istanbul. Through their partnership with Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, Madhu’s offer destination weddings bringing their distinctive Indian cuisine and hospitality to one of Turkey’s most prestigious luxury venues.
Set against the spectacular Bosphorus, the hotel offers luxury accommodation, expansive event spaces and a remarkable setting for Indian destination weddings, from intimate celebrations to multi-day wedding experiences, somewhere that feels like a dream for both you and your guests. And you don’t just need to stay in the city. Madhu’s partners can assist you with excursions further afield in Turkey and of course with any honeymoon planning. Just be sure to return for a celebratory meal on your wedding anniversary.
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