The Black Shepherd Opens in Bandra - Bringing British Classics to Mumbai

In May this year, Mumbai’s dining scene welcomed a rare new arrival: The Black Shepherd, an intimate 26-cover restaurant in Bandra that dares to do something few others attempt - serve authentic British cuisine, unapologetically un-Indianised. At once soulful and refined, the restaurant is a heartfelt ode to Britain’s timeless pub culture, reimagined for Mumbai by Chef-founder Rahul Kotak. With its rich storytelling, warm interiors, and food that celebrates both nostalgia and craft, The Black Shepherd isn’t just another new venture, it’s a love letter to memory, music, and honest ingredients.

A Name with Meaning, A Story with Soul

The Black Shepherd takes its name from two inspirations: the beloved black German Shepherd, Saya, who has been Chef Rahul’s companion through the journey of building the restaurant, and the whimsical naming traditions of British pubs such as The Red Cow or The Crow’s Nest. The restaurant’s identity is thus rooted in warmth and familiarity, blending a personal story with cultural authenticity.

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Rahul’s years in the UK, coupled with a culinary philosophy shaped by food science and craftsmanship, guide everything at The Black Shepherd. For him, ingredients are meant to shine, not be hidden beneath heavy layers of spice. The result is food that is true to its roots - balanced, soulful, and authentic.

“For me, British cuisine isn’t just food—it’s a memory of warmth, of walking into a pub where everyone feels at home,” says Chef Rahul Kotak, Founder & Head Chef. “It’s about dishes that are hearty but never heavy, honest but never plain. At The Black Shepherd, I wanted to recreate that feeling for Mumbai, where every plate tells a story, every ingredient has integrity, and every meal feels like a moment of connection.”

Britain on Plate

The Black Shepherd’s menu is a love letter to timeless British comfort food, brought to life with integrity and refinement. Diners can begin their journey with freshly baked breads served warm with butter, a simple yet soulful ritual that sets the tone for what follows. The signature Fish & Chips is crafted with locally sourced Asian seabass, prized for its delicate flake, fried to a golden crisp and served with triple-cooked chips, mushy peas, and a bright tartare sauce. The Shepherd’s Pie, with its layers of slow-cooked meat and pillowy mash, delivers comfort in every bite, whilst Jacket Potatoes arrive at the table golden-skinned, generously filled, and hearty enough to be a meal in themselves.

For something more indulgent, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger balances crunch and tenderness with precision, quickly becoming a crowd favourite. Desserts are no afterthought—delicate madeleines offer a refined sweetness, whilst the now-iconic handcrafted brownies, perfected by Chef Rahul over four years, embody the patience and artisanal spirit of the kitchen. 

The beverage programme mirrors this philosophy of balance and nostalgia. From teas to refreshing iced tea’s, the drinks are crafted to complement the hearty cuisine. At the heart of the beverage programme is the much-talked-about ritual everyone returns for - a steaming, bottomless hot chocolate, rich and velvety, alongside teas and refreshing coolers, all crafted to complement the hearty cuisine with balance and nostalgia.

Designed for Connection

Every detail of The Black Shepherd’s design carries the soul of a British pub whilst reflecting Bandra’s own cultural rhythm. Deep red couches, dark wood finishes, and golden-hued lighting evoke a timeless charm, whilst the walls come alive with local photography and vintage newspaper clippings of British rock icons, football matches, and cultural milestones from the 60s–90s. The soundtrack is exclusively British Rock- mellow by morning, playful by afternoon, and vibrant by evening—ensuring the experience is immersive from first bite to last note.

The Black Shepherd is already looking to the future with the promise of a dedicated breakfast menu and the revival of traditional Sunday roasts. In the long run, the Bandra outpost will serve as a proof of concept for expansion into cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, and Pune, each carrying forward the same philosophy of honest British-European cuisine, artisanal craft, and soulful storytelling.

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Factsheet:

Address: Shop 1-A, Gloria Apartments, St. John Baptist Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 50

Price for two: Rs. 3000 plus taxes

Timings: Wednesday to Monday; 11:30 AM to 3:15 PM; 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM  

                Friday to Sunday; 11:30 AM to 3:15 PM; 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM  

For Reservations:  +91 8779651209