Mantra

Style is the mantra here: the Hounslow surroundings may be less than glamorous, but this eatery outshines its location with a combination of sophisticated design & a menu of Indian classics boosted by enticing specialities. Curvaceous, bright-orange chairs & shiny glass tables make an immediate statement: this is no mundane curry house, & prices are a notch higher than the norm. Likewise, the relatively concise menu has plenty to divert those who fancy something a bit more adventurous than chicken tikka or rogan josh. Start, perhaps, with tandoori quails or sago & potato cakes accompanied by tamarind chutney, before a main course of nalli nihari (lamb shank simmered with saffron & yoghurt) or chicken biryani, cooked correctly in a sealed pot. Desserts range from gulab jamun to the Mantra brownie, & the short wine list is supplemented by various mocktails & cocktails.