The Tamil Prince to launch in Islington in June serving South Indian food in pub setting

18 May 2022

Brand new Islington pub The Tamil Prince has today announced it will be opening on Hemingford Road on 24th June. The venue will align the classic British pub with the food of Tamil Nadu in a menu created by chef Prince Durairaj, ex-Roti King. Previously The Cuckoo, the 19th Century pub sits on the corner of a residential area in Islington boasting indoor and outdoor dining areas perfect for the summer months.

The Tamil Prince is a hybrid of relaxed pub with the addition of South Indian cuisine that Prince sees as underrepresented in the area. The menu is a mixture of small and large plates to be served with sides that showcase the best of the Indian food Prince loves. Small plates include; Crab Soup, Dhal Makhani, Okra Fries, Onion Bhaji and a Spiced Chicken Lollipop coming with a selection of amazing chutneys. Next up, large plates consisting of Robata Lamb Chops, Grilled King Prawns in a 24hr masala marinade, a fresh Dessi Salad, Spicy Grilled Chicken with Mint Chutney, King Prawn Moilee and a rich Butter Chicken Masala are served with the famous Roti or Coconut Pilau Rice. As much as the savoury is important, Prince has put special thought into the sweet section of the menu. Gulab Jamun, one of India’s most cherished desserts is available alongside Shrikhand - a sweet dish of strained yoghurt and Badam Kheer with almonds and saffron.

For the drinks, The Tamil Prince will offer specialist cocktails created by Simone Pugi (ex-Bar Termini) featuring ingredients and flavours from southern-India, including summery serves like Tamarind Margarita and Jaljeera, a popular North Indian drink made using coriander, mint and spices. These will accompany an array of classically British pub drinks gin and tonic to a range of reasonably priced wines. South Indian food pairs brilliantly with beer, so The Tamil Prince will offer a range of bottled British and Indian beers with a few options on draft too. The interiors will stay true to the pub’s history, with accents of the new food offering visible in decorative items and plants throughout, food will be served on brass plates and old Indian tea glasses will be used for water and short drinks.

The Tamil Prince is a partnership between Prince Durairaj and Glen Leeson, who most recently worked on street food brand Tamila, currently at Hackney Bridge. The pub represents the next step for the duo as they take on full dinner service as well as a popular local pub. Glen pulls on his experience as General Manager with JKS and Operations Director at Roti King and Market Halls to bring The Tamil Prince a go to destination for locals and foodies further afield.