Amritsar, the heritage city of Punjab has a rich history, culture, and culinary traditions, The city famous for historic sites like the holy Golden Temple and the infamous Jallianwala Bagh is now also popping up with modern cafes, restaurants, and bars to celebrate the global cuisine. One of the buzzing spots in Amritsar is the Lord Elgin bar and restaurant.
Known for its English theme and innovative menu, Lord Elgin Bar is gaining much traction. To give you a deeper dive into the concept and inspiration behind the British-themed pub, Slurrp has an exclusive interview with Kavish Khurana and Shruti Khurana, the managing directors at Elgin Hospitality.
Amritsar is rich in history and culture. How does the city’s heritage influence Lord Elgin?
Amritsar's rich history and vibrant culture have deeply influenced the ambience and offerings at Lord Elgin, shaping it into a space that honours the past while embracing the present. The city is known for its deep-rooted traditions, colonial heritage, and a sense of warmth that resonates with everyone who visits. We wanted Lord Elgin to reflect these qualities, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
Our restaurant-cum-bar, set within a sage-green glasshouse camouflaged by bamboo and traveller’s palms, is designed to be a portal to that bygone era. The Victorian-style sofas, taupe drapes, and golden fans create an environment that feels like a step back in time, yet the space is alive with modern energy, much like Amritsar itself.
In terms of the culinary offerings, we’ve drawn inspiration from Amritsar’s rich culinary traditions, but with a global twist. By bringing in celebrated chefs like Suvir Saran and Vardaan Marwah, we’ve crafted a menu that pays homage to the familiar flavours of India while also exploring new and exciting ingredients and techniques. This blend of the old and the new mirrors the city’s own ability to honour its history while continuously evolving. Amritsar’s heritage is more than just a backdrop for Lord Elgin; it’s the essence of what we aim to offer—an experience that transports our guests to a world where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. From the moment you walk through our doors, you're not just stepping into a restaurant, but into a carefully crafted narrative that reflects the spirit of Amritsar itself.
What inspired you to establish Lord Elgin in Amritsar?
The inspiration to establish Lord Elgin in Amritsar stemmed from our desire to create a unique space that merges classic luxury with modern aesthetics. We wanted to offer something that would stand out, not just as a dining venue but as an experience that transports guests to a different world. The idea behind Lord Elgin was to craft a space that evokes a sense of exotic escapism—somewhere people could step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find a tranquil, refined oasis.
Being in Amritsar, a city rich in culture and history, it was important to us that Lord Elgin became a conversation starter, a place that invites people to connect and share experiences. From the moment you step through the door, we wanted every detail—from the design to the food and drinks—to contribute to that sense of escape and indulgence. Ultimately, Lord Elgin is our way of redefining luxury and offering something truly special to the people of Amritsar.
How has your journey been as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry?
Kavish Khurana looks back at his journey, “My journey as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. When we first ventured into this field, it was driven by a passion to create spaces that go beyond just offering food and drink—places that provide memorable experiences and meaningful connections. The transition from my background in textiles to hospitality was a leap, but it was one that allowed me to bring my attention to detail and commitment to quality into a new realm. Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. The hospitality industry is demanding, and it requires constant innovation and an unwavering dedication to excellence. But those challenges have also been the most fulfilling part of the journey. What keeps me inspired is the impact we’ve been able to make—seeing our guests connect with the spaces we’ve created, hearing their stories, and knowing that we’ve contributed to those moments of joy and relaxation. It’s these experiences that remind me why we do what we do. It’s been a deeply personal and incredibly fulfilling adventure, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.”
Why the name “Lord Elgin”? Is there a story behind it?
The name "Lord Elgin" was chosen with great intention and a deep connection to both history and the atmosphere we wanted to create. Lord Elgin was the Viceroy of India during the British Raj, a period that left an indelible mark on the country’s architectural and cultural landscape. By naming our restaurant-cum-bar after him, we sought to evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport our guests to a bygone era of refined elegance and colonial charm.
What influences the menu at Lord Elgin?
The menu at Lord Elgin is a true reflection of our culinary philosophy, which is rooted in the art of balancing innovation with tradition. We drew inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences—both local and global—to craft a dining experience that is as intriguing as it is satisfying. At the heart of our menu is the idea of creating connections, not just through the food itself, but through the shared experiences it fosters.
Our tapas-style offerings are intentionally designed for sharing, encouraging conversation and camaraderie among guests. We believe that food is more than just sustenance; it's a way to bring people together, create memories, and celebrate the flavours that resonate with us. The culinary journey at Lord Elgin begins with a masterful fusion of progressive Indian and global flavours.
Each dish, whether it's the Keema Salli Pao—a reimagined take on traditional Indian street food—or the Lotus Zen Fry with its Asian-inspired flair, is carefully crafted to elevate your dining experience. Our desserts, like the ‘Textures of Chocolate’ and ‘Kulfi Pops,’ are not just sweet endings but statements of creative brilliance that blend nostalgia with modern indulgence. Our culinary philosophy is also deeply influenced by the desire to transport our guests to a world of refinement and exotic escapism. This is reflected in everything from the meticulously presented dishes to the expertly crafted cocktails, all of which are designed to offer a momentary escape from the everyday.
How did you balance traditional British pub fare with local tastes?
Balancing traditional British pub fare with local tastes at Lord Elgin involved a thoughtful blend of authenticity and innovation. Our goal was to honour the classic elements of British pub cuisine while ensuring that our offerings resonated with the diverse and vibrant palates of our guests in Amritsar. To achieve this balance, we infused classic British flavours with local ingredients and culinary influences.
We took the foundational elements of British cuisine—its comfort, richness, and tradition—and reinterpreted them using spices and techniques familiar to Indian taste preferences. The result is a menu that feels both authentic and relevant. We’ve created a dining experience where classic British dishes are complemented by local twists, offering a unique blend that respects both culinary traditions.
What are some of your favourite dishes and drinks? Also, what are the chef’s special signature delicacies?
Some of my favourite dishes at Lord Elgin are the Mushroom Pepper Fry and the Palak Burrata. The Mushroom Pepper Fry is a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms and bold spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavour. Coming to Palak Burrata, it is a wholesome palak curry made with lasooni barista tadka and served with burrata and lachha paratha.
When it comes to drinks, I’m particularly fond of the Earl of Elgin. It’s a refreshing cocktail that balances the sharpness of lime and the fruity berries, making it the perfect drink to unwind with. Another standout is the Spice Trader—a drink that’s as intriguing as it sounds, with layers of flavours that unfold with each sip, capturing the essence of exotic escapism that we aim for at Lord Elgin.
As for the chef’s special signature delicacies, our Gnocchi is not to be missed. It’s a dish that embodies the fusion of traditional techniques with innovative flavours, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Each of these dishes and drinks has been carefully crafted to provide a unique and memorable dining experience, reflecting the creativity and passion of our chefs.
Do you plan to expand it further in India or globally?
Our vision for Lord Elgin is to craft a distinctive experience that leaves a lasting impression on our guests. While our current focus is on perfecting this experience in Amritsar, we are certainly open to the idea of expanding in the future. The unique blend of history, modern elegance, and innovative cuisine that defines Lord Elgin has a universal appeal, and we believe it could thrive in other locations, both across India and internationally. However, any expansion would be undertaken with the same meticulous care and attention to detail that we’ve committed to from the start. It’s not just about opening more venues; it’s about ensuring that each new location fully embodies the spirit and quality that makes Lord Elgin special.