Indian Essence

Mixing the classic with the contemporary is something Indian Essence does very well indeed. Here you'll not only find much-loved Indian menu mainstays but innovative new dishes you won't have tried before, ensuring traditionalists and more adventurous diners alike will find themselves spoilt for choice.

Tempted by the extensive cocktail list, I began by sipping a Mumbai Mist and nibbling mini poppadoms while perusing the menu. Although we're fans of classic Indian fare, we were excited to try something different and asked the knowledgeable staff for their recommendations. When a starter of delicately cooked soft-shell crab and refreshing corn and apple salad arrived for me, I was certainly glad I took their advice - this light yet robustly flavoured dished proved to be the ideal opener. My companion, meanwhile, plumped for the tiranga murg, comprising tarragon-infused chicken fillets, zingy mango-pickle-marinated chicken kebabs and crisp fried chicken salad.

After such standout starters, the mains had a lot to live up to, but luckily they more than delivered. My lamb chettinad was melt-in-the-mouth tender and my companion thoroughly enjoyed his kori gassi, an aromatic chicken curry infused with black pepper and mace. We finished our meal with traditional creamy kulfi - mango for my companion and pistachio for me. Indian Essence is a top place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, although, thanks to the refined cuisine and stylish surroundings, even a laid-back midweek meal feels like a special occasion here