The City isn’t short of fine-tuned places to eat and drink - you just have to know where to look. If you work in the area, then Mint Leaf Lounge is a handy spot to have up your sleeve. This Indian restaurant is a little different from your standard curry house and would make an elegant place to head for a business lunch or intimate dinner in the evening. Indeed, the reference to a ‘lounge’ in the restaurant’s title is reflected through cosy and comfortable interiors, sleek dark wooden furniture, leather sofas and low mood lighting.
Diners can opt for either the a la carte or set menus (there are lunch and dinner set options available). Highlights on the menu include kashmiri chicken tikka to start, made with a Kashmiri chilli marinade and served with mint chutney. While main dishes feature Kerala fish curry cooked in coconut, Paneer Kurchan (paneer tossed with onions, tomatoes, green chilli and peppers) and a selection of biryani dishes served with cucumber raita.
Meanwhile, the set menu gets you three courses and a cocktail on arrival for just over £30, which is excellent value and includes most of the dishes on it’s a la carte offering. Finish the meal with a round of mango cheesecake or sorbet to refresh your palate.
Mint Leaf Lounge also boasts a 16m long cocktail bar which serves over 500 spirits prepared however you like. Try one of its many cocktails (there are sections dedicated to gin, rum, whisky, tequila, cognac and vodka-based cocktails), or take a look at its Mint Leaf Specials for the City Girl (raspberry cordial, lemon juice, violette, prosecco) and Tennessee Bee (Jack Daniels, Absinthe, Honey Syrup, Baileys). You'll struggle to choose from its extensive wine list, with its collection of reds taking the top spot for choice.