Mint Leaf Lounge & Restaurant

The wave of Indian restaurants sweeping across Britain is well represented by Mint Leaf Lounge and Restaurant where an indisputable elegance survives well the glitter which is part of the true India. As the red flock tumbles before the Bollywood approach it might be asked if the cuisine of the incomparable sub-continent as we have tended to hitherto know it, was also under attack, to which the answer would be 'perhaps', but substitute 'review' for attack.

Most cuisines develop - they have to - even if they leave behind them a stronghold of tradition that is their base. The Indian cooking in London particularly, and also well beyond takes heed of that tradition, transforms it in places, and the new cooking emerges based on the age old authentic flavours of India, fused exotically with a unique ethnic edge. 

Nor does it stop there. Service is something of which the eastern psyche is proud, not embarrassed, that survives well in a world where the concept of a classless society has been replaced well by a corporate approach with its own separate but interlinked values.

The menu at Mint Leaf makes no apology for making full use of seasonal British ingredients, and linking them with the traditional Tandoor oven, char grill and Tawa plate, creating innovative and contemporary, fresh, healthy food backed by authentic Indian flavours that invoke the spices of the mystic East. Starters of tomato and charred chilli relish with stir-fried samphire make an unequivocal statement, whilst Kaffir lime chicken tikka served with sprouted green moong lentil salad and apple chutney raises the curtain on delicate Indian cooking at its best.

From the grill spare some time for the duck breast glazed with pomegranate and star anise with sour mango chutney, or baby bell peppers with spiced lentils and tamarind. A main course of steamed Loch Fyne seafood pot embraces a curry leaf and tomato broth with chilli garlic naan. The spinach and lamb curry with fennel and crushed chilli, is served with laccha paratha and stir-fried okra and a grilled pork chop and pork belly is surrounded by a bracing vindaloo sauce. This is not mixing for mixing's sake, it is the blending together of the best and most complementary ingredients to bring about a glorious celebration of tastes.

Let there be no doubt where the emphasis lies, but equally enjoy the way in which two great international cuisines can be so skilfully linked together. The Mezzanine Champagne Bar, with snake skin booths and river washed pebble walls offers a stylish retreat from the main action, and can be hired for private occasions up to 60 guests. Private booths for an exchange of privileged conversation perhaps, seat up to 12.

In the Mint Leaf Lounge and Restaurant, a 16 metres long bar is backed with a captivating wall of over 500 spirits, useful inspiration when one is thinking which of the thousand plus cocktails takes your fancy.

A Website that reflects the glittering interior of this exciting restaurant will tell you more, whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or a place that will send your friends and guests into a meltdown of ecstasy.