This is one of the growing number of “up-market” Indian restaurants that are targeting a clientele who wouldn’t normally eat curries or spicy food. They all have certain features in common: the decor is smart and stylish, and the staff are attractive. But they also tend to charge way over the odds, and the food is generally bland.

Mint Leaf Lounge got off to a promising start. As a first course we ordered their Grill Platter, which featured a selection of delicious delicacies, including Tandoori Duck Breast Kebab, Grilled Tiger Prawns and Tandoori Paneer. But at a menu price of £36.00 for two, it should have been good.

Then everything fell apart. My Lamb Biryani (£18.50!) comprised a dish of rice with hardly any pieces of lamb; this was accompanied by a small dish of nondescript sauce. My colleague ordered Beef Cheek (£22.00), which he said was equally bland and unexciting.

Although the menu varies from day to day, on the night we went there was a very limited selection. For example there was not a single chicken curry on the a-la-carte list of main courses.

Next time you see a place like Mint Leaf Lounge that’s offering “Progressive Indian Cuisine”, take my advice and give it a miss.