Bank Holiday Dining in London: Manthan’s Thali Experience
Dining in Mayfair Without the Price Tag Shock
Bank Holiday dining in London doesn’t have to break the bank, especially with Mayfair’s unexpected Thali deal. Yet, tucked away on Maddox Street, Manthan offers something rather unexpected – a lunchtime Thali menu for just £20. At a time when eating out in central London often comes with a hefty bill, this is a rare discovery.
The idea of a generous platter filled with authentic Indian dishes for such a price might sound too good to be true, but Chef Rohit Ghai’s Manthan makes it happen. For those planning the August Bank Holiday weekend, this find offers the perfect excuse to pause and indulge. Moreover, it provides a welcome break from the bustle, allowing diners to savour something truly special.
Bank Holiday Dining in London: First Impressions of Manthan
Stepping inside Manthan, diners are welcomed by an elegant yet intimate space. The interiors feel polished and inviting, with a cosy atmosphere that’s ideal for lingering over lunch. By early afternoon, most tables are filled – proof that word about the Thali deal is spreading fast.
It’s easy to understand the draw. Thali, a traditional Indian platter, brings together an assortment of small dishes – rich curries, comforting dals, fresh breads and something sweet to finish. Instead of navigating a long menu, guests simply choose between three options: Vegetarian, Fish, or Meat Thali. Decision made.
A Thali With Character
Each platter offers a core selection of staples: creamy saag paneer, aromatic tadka dal, fluffy rice, cooling raita and a soft tawa paratha. The kitchen also serves dessert – a fig rice pudding called anjeer kheer, topped with a slice of fig for a delicate finish.
From there, the experience shifts depending on the chosen Thali. The meat version features a succulent chicken chop, served with mint chutney and a refreshing cucumber salad. Meanwhile, it includes smoky chicken tikka masala, the Anglo-Indian classic still beloved on menus across the UK.
The fish platter, meanwhile, highlights bold Goan flavours. A fiery fish recheado – sea bass coated in a spiced paste – makes a statement, while the stone bass curry offers a chunkier, more mellow contrast. Both are hearty, both demand to be scooped up with paratha.
Bank Holiday Dining in London and a Different Kind of Refreshment
While many Indian restaurants lean on familiar beers like Cobra or Kingfisher, Manthan introduces something distinctive. The Flying Buffalo lager, brewed in the Himalayas with basmati rice, is crisp, refreshing and surprisingly complementary to the spice-laden dishes. It’s the kind of detail that turns a good lunch into a memorable one.
More Than Just a Quick Bite
Although it may appear light at first glance, the Thali proves more filling than expected. Between the rice, breads and protein, it delivers substance without feeling heavy. The fig rice pudding closes the meal on a nostalgic note – creamy, comforting and quietly indulgent.
For those exploring London over the August Bank Holiday, it’s a satisfying yet unpretentious option that fits neatly between shopping, gallery visits or simply wandering Mayfair’s elegant streets.
Why Bank Holiday Dining in London Should Include Manthan
Bank Holidays in London can often mean crowded pubs, long queues at rooftop bars and frantic searches for somewhere to sit. Manthan offers an alternative – refined, relaxed and reasonably priced.
The £20 Thali lunch makes Mayfair accessible in a way that feels almost like a secret. It’s an ideal spot for a casual get-together, a family lunch or simply a chance to pause and recharge in the midst of the city.
Final Thoughts
Manthan proves that dining in Mayfair doesn’t always have to come with a sky-high price tag. Its lunchtime Thali is generous, flavourful and excellent value, making it one of London’s most appealing dining discoveries this summer.
So, as the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, swap the usual pub meal or takeaway for something more memorable. Manthan’s Thali isn’t just a plate of food – it’s a snapshot of India’s culinary richness, served in the heart of Mayfair, at a price that feels like a rare find.