Classic Indian cuisine can be found all across London - there's definitely no shortage of curries - but Mint Leaf Lounge offers a high-end alternative hidden away in the City. With moody, elegant interiors, Mint Leaf seamlessly blends the old with the new, decorated with pebbled walls and grand columns that imitate the exteriors of the surrounding area.
The evening starts with a series of signature cocktails. Mint Leaf tells stories through its drinks, giving nods to Indian history along the way. The Lost Treasure - a rum based option inspired by a tale of golden treasure lost at sea - is a real spectacle, arriving in a treasure chest which belches smoke across the table once opened. The Silk Route featured in-house infused gin, served with add-your-own pomegranate seeds and strawberry caviar bubbles that burst, sweet and refreshing, in your mouth.
The drinks may have set the stage, but the food stole the show. The coconut prawn curry is rich and creamy, infused with lemongrass and a good punch of spice, and served with saffron rice. Brits may be used to pairing naans with all their curries, but Mint Leaf’s menu serves specialty breads from regions all over India. A tender butter chicken comes with a gorgeous spiced potato naan, for example. Dishes feel simultaneously simple and yet intricately spiced, and there was not a crumb left on any plate.
Dessert was equally memorable - a creamy raspberry compote cheesecake with a sweet, buttery base, followed by a selection of classic Indian desserts including gulab jamun, a traditional spiced sponge cake, and a cinnamon ice cream which served as a perfect palette cleanser and a final burst of spice to end the evening.
With options for a traditional Indian experience or something a bit more modern, Mint Leaf offers an exciting evening of unique cocktails and tasty dishes that will leave you wanting more.