Prince William reveals his favourite cocktail on trip to Birmingham

It was a special day like no other for the Sharma family at the Indian Streatery on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham city centre.

The family have been running the restaurant since 2017 and specialise in serving up a combination of authentic Indian Street food and their own family favourites, featuring British/ Asian fusion dishes.

And on Thursday they hosted a visit from Prince William and Princess Kate who were in town ahead of King Charles III coronation to celebrate Birmingham’s diverse cultures and heritage- as well as the city’s creative industries.

As well as some of the best Indian street food in Birmingham, the Indian Streatery also has a well stocked bar. The menu at the restaurant includes a cocktail named after each family member behind the restaurant.

But William said he could not think of what he would call a cocktail inspired by his wife when asked by Dhiraj Sharma, the 27-year-old general manager. He admitted he preferred vodka and enjoyed a Kamikaze cocktail as they were “silent but deadly”. Kate said she loves cooking Lebanese food and added: “I quite like tequila.”

The royals left the restaurant to greet dozens of well-wishers ahead of a second engagement in the city later on Thursday. Speaking after the royals departed, Mrs Sharma, 63, said: “It was very surreal and not something you ever think about. You never think royalty will come to your humble abode but it’s been an absolute pleasure to have them here.”

Confirming Kate as the winner of the roti cooking competition, Mrs Sharma, who first came to the UK in 1966 from India, said: “I think clearly there was only one winner, and I think the person who knew they weren’t the winner admitted that as well.”

So what is in a Kamikaze?

A Kamikaze contains vodka, triple sec and lime juice. Garnish is typically a wedge or twist of lime. Kamikaze is a Japanese word literally meaning “divine wind”. It was coined in the 12th century to describe a tremendous storm that destroyed a Mongolian armada and stopped Japan from being invaded. This drink has a strong acidity with a tinge of sweetness.