If you’ve ever watched Chef’s table on Netflix you’ll know that Darjeeling Express in Kingly Court off Carnaby street is a big deal. Asma Khan it’s head chef is the first British person to be featured on the show and as you might expect this has impacted the waitlist to get a table at the restaurant.

Darjeeling Express started its life as a series of supper clubs, they serve Bengali home food, rich, spicy and wonderfully prepared. You’ll wait approximately 4 months for a table as we did. Bearing this in mind, we dined without the kids but other tables around us included some high chairs and two year olds.

The decor is simple and beautiful and the sun streamed in the window we sat by to eat. The kitchen is staffed entirely by women, friends of Asma’s and the service is fast considering how packed the restaurant constantly is.

I ate with a long time mum mate of mine who is Pakistani. I’m no authority on Asian cooking but Sabrina definitely is. She looked fully delighted throughout the meal but especially at dessert.

What’s good? Those prawns. The desserts – the stewed apricots in particular. Basically everything except the beetroot croquettes which were just too rich for my pregnancy palate. Too earthy. Probably wonderful for anyone else.

Kid friendly? All the restaurants in Kingly Court are a safe bet. The space is tight but everywhere has high chairs and the complex has baby change. There’s no kids menu at Darjeeling so it’s more suited to younger ones who aren’t finished weaning yet but where there’s a will there’s a way. You could make it work. Pretty sure a toddler could polish off a whole piece of paratha on their own. I definitely could.

✓baby change facilities

✓highchairs available

✓cool with breastfeeding

✓loads of other parents

✓space for buggies – it’s a bit tight but you’ll manage

✗children’s menu

✗toys/play area

Rating ???