London Grilling: Hari Shetty - Co- Founder of Nela, London’s hottest live-fire restaurant

Hari Shetty - Co- Founder of Nela

Tucked inside The Whiteley in West London, Nela is quickly making a name for itself with its bold live-fire cooking and effortlessly glamorous atmosphere. Blending striking interiors with a menu rooted in simplicity and seasonality, Nela offers a dining experience that feels both refined and relaxed. We sat down with the team behind it to talk all things fire, flavour, and what makes this one of London’s most exciting new openings.

We spoke Co-Founder, Hari, to hear more about what makes them the hottest spot in town.

For anyone discovering Nela for the first time, how would you describe the restaurant in one sentence?

Nela blends style with a spirited energy - a place where striking design, warm hospitality, and a touch of glamour create London’s most exciting new dining experience.

“Nela” means pure ,how does that idea shape the food and experience you create for guests?

At Nela, “pure” means starting with exceptional seasonal ingredients and treating them with restraint - using simple, fire-led techniques and thoughtful service to create an experience that’s honest and focused.

What inspired the focus on live-fire cooking?

It is a reflection of the restaurant’s philosophy where Hari + Ori [ Head Chefs] wanted to create a menu that embraces a form of modern cooking. 

What makes cooking over live fire different from a traditional kitchen setup?

Cooking over live fire introduces an element of unpredictability you don’t get in a traditional kitchen. There are no fixed temperatures or controls - it requires constant attention and a more intuitive approach. That challenge is also its strength, because it creates a distinctive depth of flavour through smoke and char, while forcing a simpler, more focused style of cooking that aligns closely with our philosophy at Nela. 

Is there one dish that best captures the Nela approach to grilling?

I would say the Torched Zeeland Yellowtail, Winter Truffle, Lemon.

What ingredient do you love cooking over fire the most and why?

I love cooking the 30-day Dry Aged Beef Ribeye - Cooking ribeye over fire works so well because the intense, direct heat renders the fat and creates a deep, caramelised crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The live fire also adds a subtle smokiness and complexity that enhances the natural richness of the cut.

Why was The Whiteley the right home for Nela’s London opening?

The Whiteley is the right home for Nela because its restored heritage and thoughtful design reflect our own approach - respecting what’s already there while bringing something modern and precise to it. It provides a space with real character and openness, allowing our live-fire cooking and philosophy of clarity and restraint to feel naturally embedded in the setting rather than imposed on it.

How does the restaurant reflect the energy of this part of West London?

There’s a sense of openness and cosmopolitan energy in West London that aligns with our style: refined but not overly formal, confident but still grounded. The restaurant channels that through a focus on warmth, simplicity, and live-fire cooking. 

If someone is visiting for the first time, what would your ideal order be?

Start with the flatbreads, then move on to the tartare with langoustine alongside Carlingford oysters with fermented chilli and smoked oil. For mains, choose between Scottish short rib or half lobster with guajillo butter and mandarin. To accompany, there are dishes such as artichokes on amber charcoal and grilled wild spinach with roasted pumpkin seeds. Then for pudding you must try the madeleines or  Nela’s signature Tiramisu with Coffee Caviar. 

What’s next for Nela London that our London Grilling readers should keep an eye on?

We have plenty of exciting things lined up including the opening of our summer terrace which will be in partnership with Cinroco tequila - you can expect delicious cocktails and tequila infused ice cream. We also have our Saxually Active Sundays, a monthly all-day party in collaboration with Saxually Active,the creative community from Active Artist Agencyand Ben Barnett, aka The SaxMan.

With its focus on pure ingredients, fire-led cooking, and a setting that captures the spirit of West London, Nela feels like more than just a restaurant - it’s an experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a long, indulgent dinner or planning a summer evening on the terrace, it’s one to have firmly on your London dining list.