Babur Celebrates 40 Years of Culinary Excellence with Ruby Jubilee Festivities

This summer, South London’s much-loved Indian restaurant, Babur, is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 40 years in business. Since opening its doors in Forest Hill in 1985, Babur has grown from a local favorite into a celebrated institution of modern Indian dining. With its innovative approach to regional cuisine, a dedicated team, and a loyal community of patrons, Babur marks its Ruby Jubilee with a season of festivities, new menus, and special releases.

A Journey of Four Decades

Founded by owner Emdad Rahman, Babur began with a vision to redefine what diners could expect from Indian restaurants in London. At a time when curry houses dominated the scene, Babur set itself apart by placing innovation at the heart of its identity. From the very beginning, it offered something different—fresh flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a dining experience that went beyond the ordinary.

Today, that philosophy remains unchanged. “Babur has been built on a desire to innovate, without losing sight of our roots,” says Rahman. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d still be here 40 years later. From day one in 1985, we were doing things differently than what people expected from an Indian restaurant at the time. And that spirit hasn’t changed. We’ve never stopped evolving, never stopped working to be better, to surprise and delight.”

Babur’s success is also a testament to its team. Executive Chef Jiwan Lal has been at the helm of the kitchen for 20 years, shaping a menu that blends authenticity with creativity. Under his guidance, Babur has earned 2 AA Rosettes, recognition that speaks to its culinary excellence and consistency. Many of the restaurant’s staff and customers have been part of the Babur story for decades, building a sense of community that few establishments achieve.

The Ruby Jubilee Party

To mark its 40th anniversary, Babur will host a Ruby Jubilee Party at its Forest Hill location on Thursday, 17th July. The evening promises to be a celebration of food, culture, and community, with live entertainment and an exclusive preview of a five-course tasting menu created by Chef Jiwan.

The Ruby Jubilee menu revisits iconic dishes from Babur’s past while reimagining them for today’s palate. Signature cocktails, crafted especially for the occasion by mixologist Rupam Talukdar, will complement the dishes. Reflecting Babur’s ethos of collaboration, the restaurant’s Tasting Group—a circle of long-time regulars—played a vital role in shaping the menu.

Following the party, the Ruby Jubilee menu will be available to the public from Friday, 18th July through Sunday, 14th September, both as à la carte and tasting experiences. Tickets to the anniversary event are priced at £75 per person, inclusive of a welcome cocktail, entertainment, and the five-course meal.

Beyond the Plate: Limited-Edition Releases

Babur’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations extend beyond its dining room with a range of limited-edition merchandise and gifts. Among the highlights:

“Babur: Forty Years of Flavour” Cookbook – A beautifully curated collection of 40 iconic recipes, archival images, and reflections from friends and guests.
Ruby Jubilee Chutney Trio – A playful nod to Babur’s inventive style, featuring Green Apple, Forest Berry, and Carrot Pickle varieties.
Embroidered Babur Cap – A stylish collectible that pays tribute to one of London’s most enduring Indian restaurants.

These items will be available for purchase in-restaurant and online while stocks last, giving patrons the chance to bring a piece of Babur’s story home.

A South London Institution

For four decades, Babur has stood as a beacon of hospitality and culinary creativity in South London. From its early days as a neighborhood restaurant to becoming a destination dining experience with national recognition, Babur’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and passion for great food.

As the restaurant steps into its next chapter, the Ruby Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past, but also a glimpse of the future. With its dedicated team, loyal patrons, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Babur continues to redefine modern Indian dining in the UK.

For more details or to book tickets for the Ruby Jubilee celebrations, visit babur.info.