Restaurant India News: Romy Gill Takes Over The Pem with a Celebration of India's Regional Flavours

The Pem at Conrad London St. James is set for a new chapter this autumn as it reopens as Romy Gill at The Pem, with celebrated chef and author Romy Gill bringing regional Indian cuisine to the heart of St. James's.

Marking the most significant move of her career to date, this will be Gill's first permanent restaurant kitchen in six years. 

Previously known for its modern British menu, The Pem will now showcase a deeply personal interpretation of Indian cooking, inspired by Gill's travels, memories and culinary heritage.

"I want The Pem to feel lively and full of energy—the kind of restaurant where people stay longer than they planned, order another dish because they spotted it on a neighbouring table, and leave already thinking about when they'll come back," shared Gill. "That's how I love to eat, and that's exactly the experience I want to create here."

Her menu will journey through the diverse cuisines of India, from the kitchens of Punjab and Bengal to the coastal flavours of Kerala and the spice traditions of Rajasthan. Rich curries, smoky grills, slow-braised dishes and shareable plates will sit alongside contemporary creations shaped by her extensive travels across the country. The result is food that is generous, vibrant and unmistakably her own.

The restaurant's transformation also aligns with the story behind The Pem itself. Named after suffragette Emily Wilding Davison, who was affectionately known to family and friends as "Pem," the restaurant celebrates courage, creativity and individuality. Its feather emblem, inspired by Davison's feather boa, serves as a symbol of self-expression and the spirit of women who have forged their own paths.

“The Pem has always evolved through the people leading it, and each chapter has brought something different to the restaurant. Romy takes it somewhere we've never been before. We knew very quickly that she was the right person for this next chapter,” added Bernadette Gilligan, General Manager, Conrad London St. James.

Gill's appointment represents the next evolution of that narrative. The author of three cookbooks and one of Britain's most respected voices on Indian food, she brings a wealth of lived experience to the role. The Pem's quill has long symbolised authorship and storytelling; in Gill, it finds a compelling new voice.

Romy Gill at The Pem opens in autumn 2026 at Conrad London St. James, 22–28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH.