Daughter's Arms: Melbourne's Go-to British Indian Gastropub

Chef Jessi Singh, the creative mind behind a number of beloved inauthentic Indian eateries, is stepping up the game once again with Daughter's Arms, a British Indian gastropub located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Partnering with London-born chef Jimmy McLennan, along with Shane Barrett and Sacha Imrie, Singh is bringing an exciting mashup of British and Indian pub fare to Little Bourke Street, serving up hearty counter meals, curries, and unexpected but delightful dishes like Mumbai Scotch eggs.

If you've never heard of a "Desi Pub," you're in for a treat. The term "Desi" refers to the rustic, country-style cuisine of South Asia. In the UK, Desi Pubs are an institution, blending South Asian flavours with British pub traditions, and Daughter's Arms is embracing this concept with full gusto for Melbourne's food-loving crowd. Here, traditional Indian dishes sit side-by-side with classic British comfort food—offering a dining experience that is all about spice, comfort, and plenty of flavour.

On the menu, you'll find Mumbai Scotch eggs—crispy, spiced, and deeply satisfying—alongside meaty and flavoursome Goat Seekh Kebab served with refreshing mint sauce, and succulent chicken tandoori skewers. The pizza section (or "pijjas," as they cheekily call them) features Indian twists, including a Butter Chicken pizza and a Paneer-topped option with spinach, along with a fiery take on a Margarita pizza, loaded with jalapeño, onion, and chilli oil.

Those after more traditional pub fare will be glad to see the ever-changing roast of the day, complete with veggies, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. For something heartier, there's a 300g Porterhouse Steak and a classic fish and chips—think hake in turmeric beer batter served with triple-cooked chips and curried peas. You'll also find a Butter Chicken Parma, a playful nod to the legendary Mr's Parma's, highlighting the connection to the venue's history. But, in true Desi Pub fashion, these classic British dishes share the menu with Sri Lankan Prawn Curry served with cumin rice and papadums, all the bells and whistles creating a true fusion feast.

And let's not forget dessert. The pudding selection is as much about the spectacle as it is the taste, with a vintage trolley full of cakes, tarts, and flans making its way through the dining room—a nod to the kind of decadent, hands-on service that turns a meal into an experience.

"With Daughter's Arms, I wanted to pay homage to the beloved UK Desi pub culture—where locals gather for warmth, camaraderie, and food that's hearty and unforgettable," says Jessi Singh. "This pub is about that blend of cultures—where British curries stand proudly alongside UK pub classics, complemented by pints of Guinness and classic pump beers on tap. It's a space that feels like home but tastes like discovery."

Housed in the former Amphlett House, Daughter's Arms is designed with an eye for detail. Jessi Singh and Shane Barrett have brought the Mayfair elegance of a classic London pub to Melbourne, crafting a space that marries sophistication with genuine warmth. As Singh puts it, "It's about blending ultra-sexy fine dining with the inviting comfort of a casual pub."

Melbourne, it's time to experience a little slice of London's beloved Desi Pub scene—right in the middle of the city.