MD’s Reviews

With oak panelled walls, rich and deep textures and enchanting bhuddas, you get a mixed sensation as you are walking into the restaurant, almost relaxed yet strangely aware you are dining in a court. We arrived a little early just before 7pm and there were only two diners before us, so that awareness was all the more enhanced. However within half an hour the place was buzzing with mostly all the tables taken. staff are careful to provide you with your own personal space and do not cram other diners right next to you, they are also adept at providing explanations on the dishes which sound mouthwatering but somewhat ambiguous. Interested to see the fusion of indian and thai cuisine, I chose to try the scallops in pink peppercorn, kiwi chutney and orange froth served with a tomyam salad, which sounded like a cacophony of rainbow colours but was in fact the best dish of scallops I've ever tasted. The flavours though memorable in their own right, blended beautifully. Contemporary vegetarian dishes are also aplenty and these were made well too. By the time you've taken a few sips of your carefully selected wine, with the help of the courteous and knowledgable staff you really do feel like you are in a self contained room of luxury. Overall a great restaurant which deserves praise indeed.

I'm afraid I can't really provide much of a review on the food and drink at mint Leaf Lounge Bar, because despite a willingness to splurge on a minimum spend of £2500 (in hindsight this was very stupid indeed) the opportunity was denied by their by poorsighted events and management team. To elaborate, we had agreed to hire out the mezzanine champagne bar for a private party on a Saturday and had on several occasions questioned the availability of a saturday opening (knowing the city and its tendancy for being rather dead on weekends) only to be met with a positive yes. Whilst on holiday last week we were emailed (not even phoned!) to say after one weekend opening the management deemed it was not in their interest to open on weekends! Well even the village idiot could have predicted this, but what annoys one even more is the number of times we had sought assurance only to be met with the inevitable in the end anyway. It beggars belief how the events manager manages to get any bookings or profit in general for the restaurant when she can't even remember her own quotes! Bottom line: If you want a reliable venue for a special occasion – For god's sake don't do it here!

I've been to Benares twice now, with a friend and with my parents and both times, its not displeased me at all. Service is well timed and pleasant and there is an air of groomed professionalism about the staff that is quite refreshing. With delicious fish dishes such as the coconut seabass, you can see why in such a short time it has gained Michellin star status. The menu does let down a little on desserts but by the time you have gone through your tasty starter and main course it is a small if not unoticed complaint. the staff also go the extra mile to explain dishes carefully and pick up on reasons for dining. We were rather surprised when the waiter came out with a dessert finished with a sparkler, during my visit with my parents, only to learn he had overheard it was their anniversary. Rather sweet. The decor and style of the restaurant is quite glamorous too in black and white and although stark at first grows on you. Only little snag I noticed is the noise levels do get a little high at times, something to do with the acoustics but by no means a limiter to your experience.

Visited Buddha Bar in its opening weeks and upon entering was met by the grand gold statue itself. Mezzanine level bar with its opulent oriental influences looked fab although lower than low lighting towards the corner tables makes it a little bit sleep inducing (especially after a hard day's graft! and that tranquil music) also makes it a little diffucult to see the people you are sitting with. Cocktails were amazing though and this is where I would say try it out, if not as a serious bar than just a one off peek. singapore sling made to perfection and only ever tasted an equally good one at Pearl Bar (Holborn). Word of warning – if you haven't booked (even for the bar) and are entering after 8.30pm expect a little tete-a-tete with the bouncers.

Always a pleasure to drop into Mint Leaf for a curry with a difference. With its sleek look, dark teaks and a throughly modern yet members club atmosphere attached, it makes for a nice dinner out for just about any occasion. Food is well thought and above your ordinary indian. Don't expect a long menu full of oily regulars but instead carefully constructed contemporary twists. As an on/off visitor I've seen it change chefs and menu's, which hasn't affected the choice thankfully but if memory serves right portion sizes are not as generous as once were. One thing that has slipped a little since opening is service, which needs a little attention but is by no means of a diabolical standard or anywhere close. Overall a nice restaurant to walk into spontaneously if you are in the area or for a casual yet impression making dinner.

In a word – Belissimo! This was no ordinary visit to begin with as we were celebrating an anniversary, so the restaurant had already gone through my meticulous criteria to make it through. Once we stepped in though I knew at once this was going to be one of the better dining experiences I've been privy to in this great city and was not let down. From tasty and authentic food such as the Plaice with Tomato and Basil and deliciously balanced Tiramisu to pallete approving wines and a rather nice Martini aperitif, LL delivered on the three essentials: atmosphere, food and service. Waiters were the right blend of attentive, not too pushy, not too ignorant and wine was regularly topped up without the need to ask. One thing I particularly liked was the lack of pressure for table turnaround even though we were pushing past our two hours. Overall a great place for special occasions with partners, gatherings for model R. Lauren families and a nice opportunity for celeb spotting the likes of Benecio Del Toro, who we sat next to.