Chef director Sid Ahuja leaves two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana

Sid Ahuja has left his role as chef director at Gymkhana, bringing to a close almost a decade at the two-Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant.

The chef confirmed his departure in a social media statement, describing his time at the Albemarle Street restaurant as one of the greatest challenges and adventures of his career.

He wrote via Instagram: “After almost a decade… my chapter at Gymkhana comes to a close.

“This place that has been one of my greatest challenges and adventure at the same time!

“Then there was the second Michelin star, a moment I still pinch myself for — but also for every dish, every service, each and every colleague, late nights, international openings and new learnings… I am so grateful.”

Sid added: “Thank you to the team, the guests, and everyone who believed in what we represented.

“What has been built at 42 Albemarle Street will always be with me, and the legacy will remain.

“Now I am looking ahead to my next adventure with great excitement… and I cannot wait to share more with you soon.”

A defining era as chef director

Gymkhana, part of the JKS Restaurants portfolio, first opened in 2013 and has become one of the UK’s most celebrated Indian fine dining destinations. The restaurant earned one Michelin star in 2014, before securing its second star in 2024 — a milestone that placed it among a small handful of Indian restaurants globally to hold two Michelin stars.

During his tenure, Sid progressed from head chef to executive chef before taking on the role of chef director in April 2025, overseeing the culinary direction of the business. Across that period, Gymkhana refined its identity: classical Indian flavours interpreted through meticulous technique, luxury ingredients and a sharply defined sense of place.

Dishes such as tandoori masala lamb chops, wild muntjac biryani and chicken butter masala became synonymous with the restaurant’s reputation for precision and depth of flavour.

The restaurant has been widely acclaimed and has become a renowned celebrity hotspot, with guest diners such as Ed Sheeran and David Beckham.

Under Sid’s leadership, consistency, discipline and attention to detail were central to maintaining Michelin standards while evolving the menu.

In a previous interview with The Staff Canteen, Sid spoke about balancing authenticity with progression, ensuring dishes respected regional Indian traditions while adapting to the expectations of a contemporary London fine dining audience.

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What next for Sid Ahuja?

While no official announcement has been made regarding his next move, Sid’s closing comments suggest a new project is already in development.

His departure marks a significant moment for Gymkhana, which has established itself as a benchmark for Indian fine dining in the UK and internationally.

As the premium Indian dining sector continues to evolve, particularly within London’s competitive Mayfair market, Sid’s next step will be closely watched by chefs and operators alike.

The Staff Canteen has contacted JKS Restaurants for comment will update this story as further details emerge.