Chef Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express to relocate

Chef Asma Khan’s Indian restaurant, Darjeeling Express, is to relocate into a larger unit in London’s Soho in the coming months.

Shaftesbury Capital confirmed the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, known for its all-female kitchen and unique take on Bengali, Hyderabadi, and Kolkatan cuisine, will take over 38-40 Rupert Street, a 5,600 sq ft space with 130 covers.

Rupert Street is also home to restaurants such as Luke Farrell’s Speedboat Bar and the Michelin-starred Evelyn’s Table. 

Darjeeling Express first opened in London in 2017 as a 56-cover restaurant in Carnaby’s Kingly Court.

In 2020, Khan took on the former Carluccio’s site in Seven Dials, expanding the restaurant across a 120-cover dining room and deli.

In 2022, she turned Darjeeling Express into a pop-up at the Pembroke gastropub in South Kensington before returning to Kingly Court later that year.

Khan, founder of Darjeeling Express, said: “I’m so proud of how far Darjeeling Express has come in the last few years – what started as a passion project for me has become a mainstay of Indian dining in London, and a successful example of female empowerment in hospitality.

"As we continue to grow, Shaftesbury Capital has supported us with a space that allows our all-female team to remain front and centre, while taking the next step in our exciting journey.” 

Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, added: “Darjeeling Express began its journey with us in Kingly Court, and we are proud to have played a role in its growth. The move to a new home within our portfolio reflects the strength of our ongoing partnership, and quality of the places we are responsible for.

"We are confident the team will thrive on Rupert Street, next to the likes of Evelyn’s Table and Speedboat Bar, bringing an authentic and celebrated dining experience to a different part of Soho.”