Chef Emanuele Pollini’s first foray into the London culinary scene and a fine-dining Indian right by the Bank of England.
Mint Leaf, Bank
A fine-dining Indian restaurant, bar and lounge located in the centre of the square mile (it's literally located near to the Bank of England in the heart of the City!)
The menus combine authentic, seasonal Indian ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques and stylish presentation.
The striking cocktail bar and mezzanine level are backed by captivating light features, long translucent drapes, snake-skin booths and comfy sofas which make this a sumptuous retreat.
The team use seasonal British produce wherever possible, prepared using the traditional tandoor oven, charcoal grill and tawa hot plate to create innovative and contemporary, fresh, healthy food with authentic Indian flavours.
Last spring, Mint Leaf launched a Bottomless Prosecco and three course meal every Friday at lunch and Saturday dinner... we'll be keeping a eye out for it this May too!
mintleaflondon.com/
Pollini, West London
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall, signifies chef Emanuele Pollini’s first foray into the London culinary scene.
Offering 65 covers, Pollini is set against a backdrop of polished interior design and showcases an array of Italian cuisine influenced by Emanuele’s childhood and his formative years spent in his grandmothers’ kitchens on the Adriatic Coast and the Alps.
Ladbroke Hall opened in 2023 and has quickly garnered international acclaim as London’s new arts and social club; Pollini’s inimitable and award-winning interior has been designed by fellow Italian Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects, with a striking black and white theme and artistic dialogue in keeping with the historic elements of the Beaux Arts building.
Emanuele Pollini, winner of the 2020 Gambero Rosso International Award, has curated an evolving, seasonal menu which includes both new and signature hero dishes, paying homage to his heritage. The à la carte menu consists of Stuzzichini, Antipasti, Primi and Secondi whilst there is also a set ‘Artist Lunch’ menu offering two courses for £24 and three courses for £28.
Highlights from the menu include Stuzzichini of Mortadella e Tartufo Nero with black truffle, Prosciutto Di San Daniele Nebrodok (24 month aged ham from Sicilian) and Pesto Di Cicerchia (Umbrian wild chickpea purée, baby radish and spring onion oil) while diners can choose from a selection of antipasti such as Cozze in Crema Di Datterino, Scottish mussels with Datterini cream, garlic and chilli and Carpaccio di Manzo, beef rump with artichoke, pecorino di Fossa, lemon and purple mustard frill.
Set to be a firm favourite is Emanuele’s signature Lasagna della Graziella, a contemporary interpretation of his mother's classic lasagna.
Specialist cocktails include ‘The Spritz’ blending Suze with Berto bitter, Chandon spritz, cucumber and watermelon soda and the ‘Coffee at Cherry Groves’ which sees Portobello Coffee Bean Vodka mixed with Fair Coffee Liquor, Heering Cherry, Double Espresso and Chocolate Bitters. The wine menu has been curated by leading sommelier Romain Audrerie, who has worked with André Balazs Properties, Koko, Pacha Group, and The Standard Hotel.
The restaurant is also filled with large-scale artwork commissions by British painter Sir Christopher Le Brun PPRA; and a central, large-scale monochrome chandelier by Spanish artist and designer Nacho Carbonell. Le Brun made his largest to date permanent commission in the UK of four new oil paintings titled ‘Wheat’, ‘Leaf’, ‘Rose’, ‘Snow’ reflecting the four seasons and Pollini’s menu.
The much-anticipated opening of the Pollini garden, a 100sq foot dining and drinking alfresco terrace is due anytime now...
ladbrokehall.com/restaurant/
Plus, don't miss in East London...
Urban Food Festival - April 6
The Urban Food Fest will return to East London this Spring, featuring a delicious array of street food trucks and stalls serving a variety of international cuisine, alongside buzzing bars.
urbanfoodfest.com/
London Coffee Festival - April 11-14
The London Coffee Festival invites the world’s best roasters, producers, and baristas for talks from industry leaders, opportunities to try your hand at being a barista, and endless coffee to sip.
londoncoffeefestival.com/
