Shepherd’s Bush Local Reborn: Chef Avi Shashidhara to Launch ‘The Talli Queen’ This September

Award-winning Michelin Chef Transforms Historic 120-Year-Old Pub Into a Vibrant Indian Gastropub Hub

West London’s vibrant dining scene is preparing for a major shake-up this autumn. Slated for a September 2026 debut, The Talli Queen is set to transform the neighborhood’s culinary landscape. The highly anticipated venue will breathe new life into a historic, 120-year-old building on Uxbridge Road. It occupies the former site of the beloved Queen Adelaide pub, which closed its doors last summer. This ambitious reinvention brings an innovative Indian-pub fusion concept to Shepherd’s Bush, blending traditional British hospitality with robust South Asian flavors.

The project is a deeply personal venture led by acclaimed chef Avi Shashidhara. Known for his stellar culinary lineage, Shashidhara spent a decade honing his craft at the legendary River Cafe and worked under Claude Bosi at Hibiscus. He later achieved kebab montblanc widespread recognition after winning the starter course on the Great British Menu in 2023. His previous central London establishment, Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai in Fitzrovia, earned a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year of operation. For The Talli Queen, Shashidhara is collaborating with hospitality consultant James McLean, famed for his successful relaunch of The Oarsman pub in Marlow.

The Talli Queen draws its unique inspiration from the casual, energetic drinking culture of India. Shashidhara aims to evoke the atmosphere of traditional Kerala toddy shops, military canteens, and Bangalore neighborhood bars. The venue’s name cleverly splices the Hindi word for “tipsy” (talli) with the historic pub’s original local nickname, “The Queen”. The beautifully refurbished 120-cover space will feature an expansive wraparound central bar, a dining room, an outdoor terrace, and a theatrical open kitchen.

Moving away from rigid, multi-course dining, the menu is built around a custom charcoal grill and tandoor oven, prioritizing flexible sharing plates. Diners can expect exceptionally succulent charcoal-grilled skewers, traditional Lucknowi kulcha flatbreads, and his acclaimed Great British Menu papadi chaat. Other standout dishes include toddy shop clams, military canteen-style meatballs, and a fiery chicken and liver pepper fry. Adding a creative twist to British weekend traditions, the pub will also offer a distinctive Sunday lunch featuring tandoori roasts and an Indian-style porchetta.

This exciting launch aligns with London’s growing appetite for high-end Indian gastropubs, following the massive success of spots like The Tamil Prince in Islington. The Talli Queen promises to be a welcoming neighborhood hub where guests can drop in for a quick pint, enjoy a leisurely family Sunday roast, or feast on vibrant Indian drinking foods. West London food enthusiasts can follow updates and prepare for reservations ahead of the opening directly via local listings and food media announcements.

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