In 1856 Captain T.G. Montgomerie, working on a survey of India, saw the Karakorum range and measured its peaks, identifying them with a series of numbers prefixed by the letter 'K' an abbreviation of the Karakorum name; hence K2.
The mountain K2 is situated on the Pakistan/Chinese border in the Kashmir region known as Baltistan - hence the name 'Balti' cuisine.
At 28,250 ft K2 is the second highest mountain in the world. Sometimes known as the savage mountain, with its fierce storms, constant avalanches and hazardous rock faces, it is the most formidable mountain to climb even for the most experienced of climbers.
The building now recognised as K2 Balti House was first built in 1936. The building was used by several Breweries as it was next to the river, and the beer was delivered by boat. Later it became a pub called The Whip and Collar, and it was bought as this in early 1994.
Riaz, the Director of K2, started work at 16 in a local restaurant and worked his way up to running top London restaurants. It was then that Riaz decided that he would like to bring top quality Balti cuisine to his home town of Hemel Hempstead.
The pub was bought, then closed, and local architects and builders created a stylish interior in the Mogul style. K2 opened six months later.
Why call the restaurnat K2? Well, the roof shape of the building closely resembles the outline of the mountain, and it is located at Two Waters Road, where two rivers meet.
Riaz has a passion for Kashmiri food which he likes to pass on to his customers. All his chefs are trained in the origional method of cooking still used in asia today, and all food is cooked fresh using the best herbs, spices, vegetables and most succulent cuts of meat. By combining modern technology with traditional clay ovens, our dishes allow you to enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine, with exquisite textures and flavours. The menu is constantly updated and brings your usual favourites as well as special traditional dishes from Kashmir and Baltistan.
In 2001 the restaurant was extended again to provide a beautiful glass conservatory overlooking the landscaped garden and river, with a seperate function room with its own bar and opening on to the grounds for private dinners and parties.
The reputation of K2 Balti House in Hemel Hempstead has spread as delighted diners recommend it to their colleagues and friends, so it is always a good idea to book.