About The Gurkha Hat

There are two potent symbols of Gurkhas ~ the famous and deadly ‘Kukri’ curved knife, which is as much a national symbol of Nepal as of the Gurkhas, and the distinctive, wide-brimmed, Gurkha hat.

Whilst the kukri is as old as Nepal, and older, the Gurkha hat dates only from the Second World War, when bush hats were issued to all British and Imperial forces in the XIV Army in Burma and Northeast India. At the end of the War, Gurkhas retained the bush hat in preference to the pre-war pill-box topi, as it was more functional and smarter. The pill-box topi is still worn by some Gurkhas with some dress and ceremonial uniforms ~ most notably by Queens Gurkha Officers, members of the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Pipers. One famous former member of XIV Army, the author George Macdonald Fraser, has said that the bush hat, with a razor blade tucked into the band, provided all that was necessary in the jungle, and was like a good hotel as well!

In peace-time, the Gurkha hat evolved from cotton fieldwear into a felt masterpiece. Not one hat, but two (one glued inside the second) to make sure that the brim does not sag but always looks smart and military, with a cotton hatband, each Gurkha hat is hand crafted by the tailors of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Kukri itself has, over time, become smaller and less fearsome. (In these days of guided precision weaponry, the need to get to grips with an enemy is not as it once was). So the Gurkha hat has changed from a piece of functional headgear to a smart parade proud item. The fierce tribal nature of the Gurkha has changed over time too, but the essence is still the same. Just as the hat has become tamed, so the Gurkha has ceased to be a tribal warrior and has become an international military elite, famed for loyalty, bravery and efficiency.

The Gurkha Hat has become a recognisable and unique symbol of Gurkha service, pride and dedication, recognised anywhere. For these reasons, we have named our restaurant The Gurkha Hat.

Please take a look at our menu or book a table at our restaurant.