Alex McEwan was excited to return to office in India after 6 months in the UK; is looking forward to his first order of Chole Bhature

Alex McEwan, Country Manager, India, Virgin Atlantic is mastering Indian cooking but can’t wait to get back.

Back to base
I was most excited about returning to Delhi in September after 6 months in the UK. It was fantastic to meet my team again and see their smiling faces (even if it is behind a mask). There was also the thrill as being on a flight for the first time in a while. Like for most travellers, it felt very different to the last flight I took.


Break time
I have a long list of destinations within India which I can’t wait to visit when the time is right. A beach break in Goa sounds particularly attractive after spending 6 months indoors in the UK.

Food for thought
I have developed a love for Indian food and am looking forward to my first order of Chole Bhature. Butter Chicken is another favourite of mine and Baba’s in Gurgaon is the best I have found – it is certainly a guilty pleasure.

Shopping list
I find Uniqlo to be great value for work and casual wear alike – always comfortable, well-fitting and affordable. In all likelihood my next purchase will be a winter coat which can keep me warm in Delhi and London. My image of Delhi as a city which is always warm was shattered last year.

Tech list
I have had more calls in the last 6 months than in the last 6 years. Wireless earphones have made a massive difference and allowed me to move around my house and talk at the same time. More than ever our work and home lives are now co-existing so it’s important to have technology to ease this transition.

Flavours of Bombay
I have always enjoyed cooking but during lockdown I have explored many more recipes. There is an excellent restaurant in London called Dishoom which is styled on the Irani cafes in Bombay. They have released a cookbook, so I have been doing my best imitations of their signature dishes.