Last year a devastating fire forced Kochhar’s renowned Michelin starred Benares to shut up shop in September but it has now risen anew like a phoenix from the ashes with an exciting redesign of epic proportions.

The new look restaurant boasts a Chef’s Table, Sommelier’s Table plus impressive new private dining facilities, making a total of five spaces that can be booked privately. The Chef’s Table (accommodating six) has two glass walls that will allow diners to watch the kitchen team at work whilst retaining their privacy and there's also a dramatic glass-walled cellar room, aka the Sommelier’s Table, where guests can dine in style surrounded by many of the world’s finest wines including Atul’s very own Domaine du Grand Mayne which softens spices yet reinforces their aroma. And award-winning sommelier, Costanzo Scala, will be on hand to guide you through the extensive list.

The menu has also undergone something of a revamp. On offer are a new range of fresh and contemporary dishes from all over India that have been informed by Atul’s regular return trips to his native country. Standout starters include Grilled Supreme of Pigeon with Pickled Mango served with Vanilla Beetroot Chutney and then Tandoori Ratan - Lamb, Basil Chicken Tikka and King Prawn Kebab Platter and mains range from the traditional Tandoori Murg - Free Range Spring Chicken Marinated in Yoghurt, Ginger, Garlic and Red Chilli to Hiran Ki Bot - Grilled Fallow Deer Fillet, Yellow Pumpkin Kedgeree and Pear Chutney.

It’s a busy old year for Kochhar and it’s only just beginning. In February the prolific chef will launch Atul Kochhar’s Indian Journeys, a new travel programme to India in conjunction with specialist operator Indian Odyssey. It will comprise a range of exclusive culinary tours combining the best of India with Atul’s trademark flair. Guests will be invited to savour authentic and more contemporary tastes plus the renowned attractions that the country has to offer. And then we can also look forward to the launch of Kochhar’s Sindhu aboard the latest P&O superliner Azura which will showcase an elegant fusion of Indian and British cuisine.

Across Piccadilly, The Avenue’s closure for refurbishment at the end of 2009 went much bemoaned by London’s gastronomes but a new and improved version is now back to tantalize our taste buds once again.

The glamorous interiors have been spruced up with a New Year’s makeover and now feature new art work as well. And there’s also a new private dining room plus, piece de resistance, a brand new super sexy kitchen. And who better to run said new kitchen than new head chef , Mikko Kataja, formerly of Tristan Welch’s Launceston Place, Orrery of Marylebone and Mayfair’s renowned Mirabelle.

As we’d expect from a chef of Kataja’s prowess, the menu has also benefited from a complete overhaul which sees modern British cooking taking pride of place. We’re talking Cropwell Bishop Stilton and Spiced Pear Tart, Poached Brill with Leeks, Crème Fraiche and Nutmeg and then Raspberry Cheesecake with Black Pepper Ice Cream. We can’t wait to try this one. Black pepper speeds up the digestion too so it’s the perfect way to end a meal!

Factor in a well-priced wine list starting from under £20 from a niche collection of fine wines for the big spenders and everyone’s happy!

Kataja himself is extremely excited about his new appointment and looks forward to showcasing his considerable talents to a whole new audience.

If you’re going to break your detox, you might as well do it in style!

Benares
12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1, 020 7629 8886, www.benaresrestaurant.com

The Avenue
7-9 St James's Street, London SW1, www.theavenue-restaurant.co.uk