A chance meeting at a Diwali celebration has blossomed into an exciting partnership between acclaimed chef Romy Gill MBE and independent Indian-inspired beer brand Bunta, founded by New Delhi-born entrepreneur Gunikka Ahuja.
Romy Gill MBE with Gunnika Ahuja. Photograph: Anad Singh
Gill is championing the emerging brand at her contemporary Indian restaurant, The Pem, within the five-star Conrad London St James, where Bunta’s first-ever 330ml glass bottles are making their exclusive debut.
The collaboration brings together two women united by their Sikh heritage, a love of Indian food and culture, and a shared belief in supporting independent businesses.
“I want to support smaller producers and I’ve always championed those people,” said Gill. “I come from a background where I had no godfather or godmother in the industry to uplift me. But there have been a lot of people who have encouraged me and helped me along the way, and that’s what I wanted to do for Gunikka.”
Inspired by Britain’s much-loved curry-and-a-pint tradition, Bunta was launched in 2025 as a non-alcoholic, lower-carbonation beer, specifically created to complement Indian cuisine. Its 0.5% ABV citrus lager is brewed with orange peel and coriander seed, offering a light, crisp, and refreshing accompaniment to aromatic spices, rich curries, and smoky tandoor dishes.
Ahuja said: “Romy has always been passionate about supporting independent producers, so having her champion Bunta means a great deal to me. “We share so much in terms of our heritage and the importance of food and family. When the opportunity came to launch at The Pem, I knew I wanted to do something special.”
