Gunpowder Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Gunpowder: The Spitalfields Original That Put Indian Tapas on London's Map

Where viral venison doughnuts meet Michelin recognition in 20 covers of cramped brilliance

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step through the dark black exterior marked by a red neon OPEN sign, and you'll find yourself in what can only be described as cramped but charming brilliance. The intimate space buzzes with energy that registers an impressive 8.5 out of 10 on the liveliness scale, yet maintains enough sophistication (7.5/10) to justify its Michelin recognition. High wood tables and regular seating line the red brick walls, creating an atmosphere that's simultaneously trendy and romantic. The no-reservations policy means you'll likely be sharing tables with fellow diners, which adds to the convivial, buzzing atmosphere but definitely tests your flexibility. At just 20 covers, every conversation contributes to the energy, making it moderately conversation-friendly despite the tight quarters. The space embodies that rare London quality of being both intimate and electric.

Food & Drink

The menu reads like a love letter to contemporary Indian cuisine, with Gunpowder's approach being both bold and authentic. Their claim to fame, the Spicy Venison & Vermicelli Doughnut, has achieved viral status for good reason and represents the restaurant's exciting take on traditional flavours. Signature dishes span from the Chettinad Pulled Duck and Kashmiri Lamb Chops to innovative small plates like Rasam ke Bomb and Karwari Soft Shell Crab. The sharing plate concept works brilliantly here, with options like Kerala Beef Pepper Fry and Goan Prawns designed for communal dining. Small plates range from £4-£17, offering genuine variety across price points. Even dessert gets the Gunpowder treatment with Old Monk Rum Bread & Butter Pudding. The kitchen caters well to different dietary needs with vegetarian and vegan options available, ensuring the contemporary Indian tapas experience is accessible to all.

Service & Experience

The no-reservations policy is both Gunpowder's greatest charm and biggest challenge. Staff manage the constant queue with practiced efficiency, though you should expect 45+ minute waits, especially on weekends. The cramped quarters mean service moves at a brisk pace - this isn't a place for lingering over multiple courses. The team clearly knows their menu inside out, which is essential given the tapas-style format where guidance on ordering quantities and combinations becomes crucial. While the flexibility score sits at just 3.0 out of 10, this structured approach actually works in the restaurant's favour, keeping the energy high and tables turning efficiently.

Value for Money

For a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Gunpowder delivers exceptional value that justifies its reputation as offering 'London value.' The express lunch deals are particularly impressive - £22 for two courses, £25 for three - making fine dining genuinely accessible. The feast menu at £65 per person with drinks pairing represents the splurge-worthy end of the spectrum but remains reasonable for the quality and Michelin recognition. Small plates starting at £4 mean you can sample widely without breaking the bank, though the sharing plate concept means costs can add up if you're not mindful. The price level sits at 2 out of 4, positioning it perfectly in that sweet spot of affordable luxury that London desperately needs.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Queue at 5:15pm for the 5:30pm dinner opening to secure the first seating and avoid the 7pm rush. Weekday lunches offer a more relaxed experience with those excellent express deals. Weekend evenings require serious commitment to queuing, so come prepared with patience and good company.

What to Focus On

The Spicy Venison & Vermicelli Doughnut is non-negotiable - it's viral for a reason. Follow with Kashmiri Lamb Chops and Chettinad Pulled Duck for the signature experience. Don't miss the Gunpowder Chaat, and finish with the Old Monk Rum Bread & Butter Pudding if you've got room.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The express lunch deals at £22-25 offer the same quality as dinner but with shorter queues and better valueExpect to share tables - embrace it as part of the experience rather than fighting itThe restaurant is part of a larger group with locations in Soho, Tower Bridge, and even Lisbon if you can't face the queue here

The Final Verdict

Gunpowder represents everything brilliant about London's dining scene - innovative cuisine, accessible pricing, and an atmosphere that buzzes with genuine excitement. Yes, the queues are real, and yes, you'll be eating in what feels like someone's very crowded front room. But this is contemporary Indian cooking at its most exciting, served with Michelin recognition and prices that won't require a second mortgage. The no-reservations policy and cramped quarters aren't bugs - they're features that create an energy and democracy rare in restaurants of this calibre. It's trendy without being try-hard, sophisticated without being stuffy.

Christoff's Rating:

8.2/10

Perfect For:

Food lovers seeking innovative Indian cuisineDate night diners who don't mind cozy quartersLunch deal hunters wanting Michelin quality on a budget

Gunpowder

Gunpowder

Christoff's Take

Gunpowder: The Spitalfields Original That Put Indian Tapas on London's Map

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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