A Discreet Haven for Cocktail Connoisseurs and Private Dining Enthusiasts at the Heart of London’s Most Prestigious District
Tucked away behind an unassuming Mayfair townhouse façade, 42 at Gymkhana captures the essence of exclusivity that defined the private quarters of traditional Indian gymkhana clubs. The venue strikes a masterful balance between maintaining its established identity as an intimate cocktail destination and evolving into something more comprehensive for those who appreciate privacy with their luxury.
Architectural Elegance Meets Cultural Heritage
The lounge’s redesign by North End Design pays meticulous attention to detail, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary. At the bar’s centre stands a magnificent peacock mantle, its intricate patterns drawing inspiration from classic Indian palace architecture. Perhaps most remarkable are the handwoven Kashmiri silk carpets that now adorn the walls – these were salvaged from the 2017 fire at Gymkhana and have been thoughtfully restored to create an enveloping tapestry of rich mahogany and marsala hues.
The artistic elements throughout the space reflect a playful sophistication. Among the carefully curated art collection, visitors will discover a whimsical portrait depicting Dua Lipa and David Beckham – both known patrons of Gymkhana – reimagined as an Indian bride and groom. Two ceramic cheetahs flank the original fireplace, completing the room’s distinctive character that manages to feel both authentic and unexpected.
Mixology That Tells a Story
The cocktail programme at 42 brings together tradition and innovation with remarkable finesse. For the first time, Gymkhana’s celebrated cocktail list extends beyond the restaurant itself, allowing guests to sample signature creations in this dedicated environment. The Royal Bombay Yacht Club exemplifies this approach, blending Hennessy VSOP, Tanqueray gin, Cloud Tea, strawberry, and lemon juice, topped with Philippe Gonet NV Champagne – a sophisticated homage to colonial-era club culture reimagined for modern palates.
Other notable offerings include the Pegu Club, which combines Porter’s Tropical Gin with grapefruit sherbet, lime, Campari, and Sabro hops, delivering complex layers of flavour. The Jal Jeera offers an aromatic experience with Macallan Double Cask 12yo, Somerset Apple EDV, chaat masala bitters, and ginger ale – a clever nod to the traditional Indian digestive drink.
The lounge’s signature cocktails maintain their rightful place on the menu. The Bagheera, Bhang Lassi, and Clarified Lychee Martini have each developed devoted followings and continue to showcase the team’s technical proficiency and creative vision.
Culinary Complements
Moving beyond purely liquid refreshments, 42 now offers an exclusive selection of small plates that bring Gymkhana’s culinary excellence to the lounge setting. The thoughtfully curated bitings menu includes Aloo Papads with Dill Raita and Punjabi Samosas accompanied by Imli Saunth Chutney – perfect companions to the bold cocktail flavours.
Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Amritsari Shrimp & Queenies, while the Patiala Fried Chicken served with Imli and Mint Chutney represents comfort food elevated to art form. Each dish maintains the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavours while adapting to the more casual lounge format.
The Evolution of Entertainment
42 at Gymkhana recognises that exceptional hospitality extends beyond food and drink to encompass atmosphere and entertainment. Operating until 2 AM on weekends, the lounge features carefully curated DJ sets every Friday and Saturday from 10 PM, creating a seamless transition from relaxed early evening drinks to a more energetic late-night ambiance.
This thoughtful programming makes the venue equally suitable for starting an evening in style or concluding a night out with sophisticated nightcaps. The separate street entrance adjacent to Gymkhana provides discretion for guests arriving at any hour.
Redefining Private Dining
Perhaps the most significant development in 42’s reopening is its transformation into an ultra-private dining destination. The space now accommodates intimate dinners for up to 16 guests, offering a bespoke experience for celebrations and high-profile gatherings that demand both exceptional cuisine and absolute privacy.
The private dining offering benefits from its own dedicated street entrance, private bar, and tailored menus that bring Gymkhana’s award-winning cuisine into an even more exclusive setting. For larger functions, the venue accommodates standing cocktail receptions for up to 55 guests, with Gymkhana’s signature dishes reimagined in canapé form.
The JKS Legacy
This latest evolution of 42 at Gymkhana reflects the broader vision of JKS Restaurants, founded by the Sethi family in 2008. Under CEO Jyotin Sethi’s leadership, with Karam Sethi directing food and creative elements and Sunaina Sethi overseeing people development, the group has expanded to 30 restaurants, three pubs and one bar across London, America and the Middle East.
The hospitality group’s remarkable collection of seven Michelin stars and six Michelin Bib Gourmands speaks to their consistent delivery of exceptional dining experiences. 42 at Gymkhana continues this tradition while carving out its own distinct identity in London’s competitive luxury landscape.