If you work or stay in the Square Mile, your dinner options have long skewed towards steakhouses and City institutions. Brigadiers, sitting just off London Wall near Bank, offers something different: a sprawling Indian kitchen and bar built around smoke, spice and, unusually for this part of town, sport on the telly.
The venue comes from the people behind some of London's most talked-about Indian restaurants, and it shows in the cooking. The focus is live-fire grill and barbecue dishes rather than the usual curry-house lineup — think kebabs, chops and larger cuts off the coals, plus a solid roster of small plates for after-work grazing. The space itself is big and sociable, with multiple bars and loungey corners, so it works equally for a client dinner or a long Friday catch-up.
Two things set it apart from the standard City feed. First, the sports angle: screens showing football, cricket and rugby give it the feel of a proper gastro sports bar — a rare find in this postcode, and a genuinely good shout for match days or big tournament nights. Second, there's an outdoor terrace, which fills up fast in summer and gives the whole operation a more relaxed, beer-garden energy than the interiors suggest.
Location-wise it's handy without being obvious. It's tucked into the arcade near Bank station, so it's an easy walk from Moorgate, Liverpool Street and the Bank area generally. That makes it a natural stop if you're visiting London on business, staying in the eastern half of the Square Mile, or meeting friends who work nearby.
For travellers, the pitch is simple: if you want Indian flavours beyond Brick Lane clichés, in a lively setting that doesn't demand a three-week booking lead, this is a low-fuss option. Book ahead for big match nights or a sunny terrace slot; drop in midweek and you'll likely find space at a bar table. Expect City prices — mains and cocktails add up — but portions are generous and the grill cooking justifies the spend. Vegetarians are catered for too, with plenty of plant-based grills and sides on the menu rather than a token paneer dish.
Worth it if: you're in the City after work, you want to watch a match without sacrificing good food, or you fancy Indian BBQ instead of another steak. Skip it if you're after a quiet, candlelit dinner — the room is built for noise. — via Secret London
