UK PM Keir Starmer Dines At Mumbai's 68-Year-Old Iconic Khyber Restaurant

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who reached Mumbai on Wednesday, dined at the 68-year-old Khyber restaurant that has over the years been patronised by several personalities, on the first day of his two-day visit to India.

Khyber restaurant

Khyber, started in 1958, is an iconic restaurant located in Mumbai’s Mahatma Gandhi Road. In past five decades, the brand has created a position in the premium segment cuisine of the North-West Frontier Province and became one of the internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant of the world.

Founded by Sudheer Bahl and now led by his son Ishaan Bahl, it is frequently visited by both Indian and international celebrities and distinguished personalities, including royalty.

Some of the personalities who have dined at this restaurant

include Prince of Luxemborough, Kuwait Royal Family, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Paul McCartney, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Wendell Rodricks, Goldie Hawn, Richard Gere and Demi Moore. Interestingly, celebrated artist MF Husain has even created one of his masterpieces in its premises. The restaurant’s “The Husain Room” has three of his paintings — an Urdu calligraphy surrounded with bold colours, a painting of a begum holding a chilam, and a self-portrait in royal attire, Indian Express reported.

Another room displays paintings of contemporary artist Anjolie Ela Menon.

This year, the restaurant turned 68 but celebrated its 65th anniversary as it was closed during the Covid-19 lockdown.

In March 1985, the restaurant was burned to the ground. After the incident, Parmeshwar Godrej was brought on board to redesign the restaurant.

Keir Starmer’s India Visit

The British Prime Minister’s visit comes as part of a renewed push to deepen UK–India economic and strategic ties. Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday at the head of what is being described as the largest-ever UK trade mission to India.

The 125-member delegation includes top British CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and representatives from leading cultural institutions.

This first official visit to India by a Labour Prime Minister in over a decade represents nothing less than an existential effort to repair the catastrophic damage inflicted during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and restore Labour’s credibility with both New Delhi and Britain’s 1.9 million-strong Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer on social media, calling it a “historic first visit” and expressing hope for a “mutually prosperous future.” The two leaders are set to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Thursday.

In a statement ahead of the meeting, Starmer said, “We signed a major trade deal with India in July, the best secured by any country, but the story doesn’t stop there.”

He added, “It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.”