Atul Kochhar to open new restaurant with Jitindar Singh

Michelin-starred Indian chef Atul Kochhar, owner of London restaurant Benares, is to open a new venture together with restaurateur Jitindar Singh.

Indian Essence, which opens in Bromley next week, will be the chef's second London restaurant. He also runs Ananda in Dublin.

The 80-seat Indian Essence, which will open on 26 November, will serve a menu of Kochhar's Indian cuisine with a British twist.

Kochhar, who was one of the first Indian chefs to gain a Michelin star, opened his first restaurant, Benares, on London's Berkeley Square in 2003. He gained wider public fame after appearing on the BBC's Great British Menu.

Singh started his career with the Taj group of hotels in India before moving to the UK in 2003 and managing restaurants in the West End and Kent.

Both Kochhar and Singh were unavailable for further comment.

Atul Kochhar to open restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis hotel >>

Atul Kochhar closes Vatika and plans to relocate restaurant to London >>