The Bite Magazine - issue 16

T here have been numerous times when I’ve walked from Piccadilly Circus to Charing Cross, I’d pass Mint Leaf on the corner of Suffolk Place in Haymarket and make a mental note to dine there one day with some friends. Despite my good intentions to fulfil this desire, it hadn’t quite materialised until now when the Bite Magazine was invited to indulge in Mint Leaf’s modern Indian cuisine. As soon as you walk down the stairs to the restaurant, you are met with lively music which gives you a warm welcome. And this evening, it was for a good reason because a charity event was being held here for the launch of the Paul Strank Charitable Trust. According to the information, it promised to be a night of inspiration and celebration with one of the trust’s ambassadors, Christopher Biggins, hosting the event. Not long after our arrival, we were told by Ervina Kiezaite, events coordi- nator for Mint Leaf that Pixie Lott had popped in earlier, which was convenient as the singer is currently appearing in the theatre production of Breakfast at Tiffa- ny’s at the Theatre Royal next door. The celebrities invited to the event included Lott’s boyfriend, model Oliver Cheshire, former Love Island contestants Zara Holland, Tina Stinnes and Malin Anders- son, former EastEnders actress and singer Michelle Gayle, television present- ers Laura Hamilton and Matt Johnson, actress Nicola Stapleton and radio pre- senter James Barr. While we were sitting at our table, I heard the most amazing voice and just had to find out who it was. It was Collette Cooper, an urban jazz singer and actress who is currently working on her debut album, City of Sin . I found her voice to be so strong and powerful that I couldn’t help but listen to the sweet melody of her tone. Mint Leaf which first opened in 2003 is sectioned into seven areas by dark Amer- ican walnut wood panelling that creates intimate seating for romantic dinners and semi-private areas for those who wish to dine with friends or colleagues. The lamps hang low over the tables so the restaurant seems almost dark but there is enough light for you to enjoy your meal. With seating for up to 220 guests (with up to 32 people on one long table), Mint Leaf is the perfect place to have the finest Indian cuisine in town.The restau- rant features American Oak furniture and cream leather that adds a sense of sophistication and contemporary style. A walkway which runs around the restau- rant links to a runway through the first bite cuisine