I was dressed - from head to toe - in tight, black leather. With practiced grace, I mounted and straddled the throbbing 1000cc Honda Fireblade. I wrapped my arms around his body and we set off; my hair billowing in our wake.

I had begrudgingly agreed to see my ex-boyfriend for dinner. We had always had a tumultuous relationship and whilst it had ended amicably, it had not been without a generous degree of drama. We had now not seen each other for nearly a year but nevertheless, The Ex insisted on picking me up on his bike, ‘for old time’s sake’.

He said he just wanted to ‘catch-up’ but having received two bunches of flowers and a box of chocolates from him in the previous week, I was apprehensive. Still, the sophisticated Indian restaurant, Mint Leaf, was the suggested location for our rendezvous, and it would have been a shame to miss out.

On arrival, I took off my helmet and shook out my hair. I noticed a familiar flash in his eyes as I watched him, watching me. We left the bike with passers-by admiring its impressive appearance and descended into the basement space that comprises Mint Leaf restaurant and bar.

We took a seat by the renowned Long Bar which stocks in excess of 500 spirits but - as The Ex was driving and I was recovering from a heavy week - we were confined to surveying the non-alcoholic options in the substantial drinks menu. I felt him watching me. “So,” he started, “I think we should talk.” In one deft movement, I flicked back to page one; alcoholic cocktails. A Pornstar Martini – a Mint Leaf speciality with two drinks in one – was the obvious choice. It was very good indeed. I ordered a second before The Ex had so much as taken a sip of his fruity concoction.

“So,” he began again, “I’m not going to beat about the bush.” He dropped onto one knee. My mouth and throat seemed to fill with cotton wool. I concentrated on remaining conscious by focusing on the top of his head. He looked up and leaning closer, held my gaze. “Can you see my contact lens still in my eye? I think it just fell out.” Oh for God’s sake. “So anyway,” he continued, remounting his stool, totally unaware of the emotional train crash that had just happened within my body, “I was thinking we should give it another go.” I looked up from draining my glass. He was biting his nails. “Shall we eat?” I replied.

We moved through to the restaurant. If it weren’t for the smells drifting from the kitchen I might have thought of an excuse, politely made my apologies, and left as fast as my feet would carry me, but my stomach seemed to have other ideas.

Surprisingly large, Mint Leaf is divided by wooden-slatted partition walls allowing for a cavernous space to feel intimate and cosy. The dim, seductive lighting, dark leather and wood all help to contribute to a sophisticated ambience that makes Mint Leaf suitable for romantic dinners for two, group outings with friends, corporate occasions or lavish parties that can integrate the entire space.

The new a la carte menu has been skillfully prepared by Head Chef Gopal and reflects his innovative and contemporary style of Indian cooking, blending delicate flavours and light textures.

With such delicious delicacies to choose from, The Ex and I – having always shared a love of food - went for a variety of small portions, all of which were beautifully presented; we enjoyed Jumbo Prawns with roast garlic and chilli yogurt, crispy fried soft shell crab with dry mango, guinea fowl (“lovely chicken,” The Ex had commented with a mouth full) with a yogurt and chilli, tomato and fenugreek sauce, and succulent duck leg slow roasted and spiced with star anise and coriander. To follow, we shared two curries; sea bass poached in a fenugreek and tomato sauce and chicken chettinad braised with tomato curry leaf and chettinad spice.

With the delivery of The Ex’s rhubarb crumble and my selection of sorbets, I could tell conversation was about to get serious again. The Ex turned to face me, “So seriously, do you fancy giving it another go?”

He (very kindly) said I could think about it whilst he popped to ‘the little boy’s room’. I couldn’t miss my chance. Once he had rounded the corner, I was out of there. I grabbed my helmet and his keys. He’d know where to find it when he was ready. I bolted out the restaurant and onto the bike. Leaving with a satisfying wheel spin, I thought to myself, ‘for old time’s sake.’

BEST BITS.

If you’re thinking of hosting a party this is an extremely versatile venue that can create bespoke events for 2-450 people. And with the juxtaposition of contemporary décor and authentic cuisine, your party will be sure to impress.

The mouth-watering food can be ordered in either small or large portions allowing you to enjoy more dishes and flavours.

With a bar for pre-dinner drinks this is a fantastic restaurant any day of the week. And the resident DJ every Friday will really help to start your weekend in style.