Three Evenings of Light on Brompton Road
For three evenings this November, Harrods will look a little different. From 6 to 8 November, starting at 4pm each day, the store's façade becomes a canvas for Diwali: colour and animated projections across one of London's most recognisable buildings, free to watch from the pavement on Brompton Road. Diwali itself falls on Sunday 8 November, the last of the three nights.
ALBA is at 70 Brompton Road, directly opposite. The dining room has full-height windows that look straight across the road at the store, which on an ordinary evening is the best view in Knightsbridge and on these three evenings is something else. You can watch from the pavement with everyone else, or you can watch from a table, with a glass in your hand and dinner on the way.
The View from a Window Table
The window tables at this Amalfi-inspired Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge face Harrods, and they are the ones to ask for. The lights begin at 4pm, so an early table catches the first of the display while it is still light out; a later one gets the full effect against the dark. Doors open at midday every day, so an afternoon aperitivo at the bar, a window table for dinner and the lights across the road is a whole evening without leaving the building.
The three nights fall on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday are the busiest evenings of the week in any case, and the window tables go first, so book ahead and say when you do that you are coming for the lights. The team will know what you mean.
A Table That Suits a Mixed Group
Diwali is a family occasion, and a table for it can run from four to fourteen. ALBA has semi-private sections for larger groups and the Cabina del Capitano, a private room for up to ten with its own view towards Harrods after dark. The private dining in Knightsbridge page has the spaces and the enquiry form.
For a mixed table, the menu takes care of itself. The Italian menu is cooked with halal-certified products, and the vegetarian dishes are a proper part of it rather than a corner: the Margherita della Nonna with buffalo mozzarella, the burrata with heritage tomatoes, the aubergine parmigiana, the ALBA Tagliatelle with black truffle, the artichoke alla Romana. Vegan dishes are marked on the menu. Say what the table needs when you book and the team will steer you.
On the Friday and Saturday, ALBA's ten-seat omakase counter runs its two evening seatings as usual, for anyone who would rather hand the evening to the chef - though the counter is not a window seat, so it is a different kind of night.
Finding ALBA
ALBA is at 70 Brompton Road, London SW3 1ER, directly opposite Harrods and a minute from Knightsbridge station. Book a table online, or ring +44 (0)20 3985 4992.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Diwali lights at Harrods?
On 6, 7 and 8 November, from 4pm each day. The display is free to watch from Brompton Road.
Can you see the Harrods Diwali lights from ALBA?
Yes. ALBA is directly opposite Harrods at 70 Brompton Road, and the dining room's full-height windows face the store. Ask for a window table when you book.
Is ALBA doing anything special for Diwali?
No. ALBA serves its usual menu on all three evenings. The occasion is the view: a table opposite the store while the lights run.
Does ALBA have vegetarian dishes?
Yes. The vegetarian dishes are a full part of the menu, from the Margherita della Nonna and the burrata to the ALBA Tagliatelle with black truffle, and the Italian menu is cooked with halal-certified products.
Do I need to book?
Yes, and early for the Friday and Saturday. The window tables are the ones everyone will want.
