When two close friends from Kolkata (or Calcutta as we call it in the West) decide to work together, that alone is a tough enough test of friendship.

Wiltons Restaurant has made eight moves since starting as a shellfish-mongers in 1742 in London’s Haymarket – a plenty swanky address in recent centuries, but back then, just that – a market selling hay.

Just around the corner from Green Park tube, Novikov Restaurant and Bar is owned by Russian entrepreneur Arkady Novikov, apparently a buddy of President Putin.

Early evening at Orient London and the place is positively heaving. Not surprising I suppose when you consider it’s prime spot on Wardour Street, just a chopstick throw away from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.