Gunpowder

Like an unpronounceable musician or a football wonderkid, a new restaurant can burst onto the scene in a big way. The original Gunpowder in Spitalfields did this. We loved it. And everyone we recommended it to felt the same. The inventive, exciting, and delicious Indian food was unlike anything else. It felt different and it tasted great. Now they’ve opened a second Gunpowder in a new location at Tower Bridge, and it feels like a couple of albums later. Or after a few years at the top of the league. Still great. Still consistent. Just a little less exciting.

It doesn’t matter if you’re here on your own, or with a friend, or with lots of people, there are a couple of things here that you just have to order. You’ll feel like a kid in a sweet shop, if the sweetshop sold chicken madras style lollipops, and venison and vermicelli doughnuts. You’ll want to stuff your face with both.

While we could go on about the rabbit pulao or the tandoori chicken, this Gunpowder has an adult USP which can’t be glossed over: the most important meal of the day. The breakfast here is one of the best we’ve had in London. Think Indian-style baked eggs or cardamom pancakes with caramelized banana. Even though it’s only on weekends, it’s worth a trip for.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

But food isn’t the only thing about restaurants, is it? The original Gunpowder is a bit bustling and barmy. It’s a restaurant where you’ll squeeze in and shout across the table that you ‘WANT. MORE. CHOPS’. This Tower Bridge location is something else. It’s big and shiny with booths and space, and quick to arrive food.

It’s the kind of restaurant you come to knowing you can be in and out within an hour, completely satisfied. It’s convenient after work, or on a date, or in a certain stage in a relationship. We’re not saying it’s a bad thing. It’s just different. It’s a professional and controlled enterprise. Like playing at Wembley as a musician or a footballer. Gunpowder Tower Bridge may be a little more grown up, but you can still rely on it to deliver the goods.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Baked Eggs Indian Style

If like us, you’re a fan of leftover curry in the morning - no judgement please - then you are going to love this. Possibly the finest baked eggs we’ve ever had.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Cardamom Pancakes With Caramelized Banana

This pile of pancakes is one of the best breakfasts you can have in London.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Chicken Lollipop Madras Style

You don’t so much lick these lollipops as maul them. At least that’s what we do.

Spicy Venison And Vermicelli Doughnut

At £5.50 this is probably the most expensive doughnut you’ve ever bought. But it’s worth every penny.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Egg Curry Masala

A bit like a devilled egg, but with a load of masala sauce on top, which, obviously, makes this much better.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Chutney Cheese Sandwich

A gooey cheese-y white bread sandwich that looks the part, but, sadly, tastes like somebody on the train sat sat on it.

Lamb Chops

We like our chops and we know our chops. These are still the amongst the best in London.

Sigree Grilled Mustard Broccoli

This is really tasty. £12 for a whole broccoli does seem a little dear though.

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Rabbit Pulao

This trough of rice and rabbit is a must order. It’s great for sharing. Or not.

Saag With Tandoori Paneer

Our favourite vegetarian dish on the menu. You’ll find yourself going back for more and more until somebody tells you to go back to your lamb chop.

Tandoori Chargrilled Baby Chicken

Emphasis on the baby here. But it’s a tasty little thing. Make sure you keep that jug of tandoori sauce.