Modern Indian and traditional British cuisine are on our menus this month.
Chutney Mary, 535 Kings Road, Chelsea, London
It's one of London's best Indian restaurants, with chefs specialising in different regional Indian dishes, with a conservatory ideal for an almost-al fresco meal in the summer or a romantic dinner in the winter.
The space is well suited for different types of occasions: a catch up with friends, a romantic meal for two, or a large family dinner in the private roomChutney Mary is one of London's best-known Indian restaurants. Since it opened in 1990 it has enjoyed a good reputation for its modern approach to Indian cooking, reflecting culinary trends throughout the subcontinent, from Kerala to Bombay and New Delhi to Calcutta.
Chutney Mary may have lost some of the buzz of its mid-90s heyday (thanks in part to the ascendancy of Michelin-starred rivals such as sister restaurant Amaya and Atul Kochhar‘s Benares), but it remains popular among Chelsea locals and members who are looking for authentic and inventive Indian food in stylish surroundings.
The staff are personable and happy to talk diners through the frequently changing, locally sourced menu, and while there's a reasonable vegetarian selection (as in any authentic Indian) expect lots of seafood. The scallops and battered crayfish are both popular dishes, while the crab masala has received particular praise although, being served in its shell, it can be a messy choice (the restaurant thoughtfully provides a bib).There's a lot of lamb and chicken too, and a global wine list chosen by wine writer Matthew Jukes who ably dispels the myth that lager is the only suitable accompaniment to curry.
The restaurant is colourful with rich reds, greens and blues and lots of candles that cast a cosy light. In the summer the conservatory is ideal for an almost-al fresco meal (particularly as it has a tree in the middle of it) while in the winter, amid the glow of the fairy lights and the drum of the rain against the glass, it feels both cosy and seductive. The large size of the main dining room can swallow the atmosphere on quieter nights, but this also means that Chutney Mary can happily accommodate groups without disturbing any couples who crave intimacy.
As well as Amaya, Chutney Mary's other sister restaurants are Veeraswamy and the cheaper, simpler Masala Zone chain, which has six outlets across London.
Simpsons, 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Simpsons opened in 2004 and quickly established itself as the focus of fine dining in the heart of the UK. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in a refurbished Victorian villa nestled in leafy, middle-class Edgbaston. Diners say it has a stylish interior, complete with immaculate white linen tablecloths and an earthy décor. It also boasts a manicured garden, cookery school and four en suite guest bedrooms. Members can choose from an intimate low-lit room, a formal dining room or the bright conservatory facing onto the rhododendron-lined garden.
There's no molecular gastronomy here, just seasonal, straight-talking menus. Owner Andreas Antona has recruited a team of award-winning chefs to prepare contemporary French food using classic techniques. The menus change depending on what produce is available, but members' favourites include terrine of ham hock and rabbit, slow-cooked halibut and a duo of Aberdeenshire beef (pièce de bœuf and braised short rib). Simpsons also offers a seven-course tasting menu for £65 a head (£105 a head with matching wines).
The food is impeccably cooked and presented, but it is expensive and the portions can be small. Expect to pay around £13 for starters and £20 for mains. Two set lunch menus and a set dinner menu offer three courses from £30. The children's menu is also a favourite with little people receiving a warm welcome and a pack of toys on arrival.
The wine list offers a wide range of new and old world producers and an excellent selection of vintage Dom Pérignon. As with the food, both the quality and the prices are high.
With its elegant décor, immaculate service and exemplary food, Simpsons unquestionably deserves its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Midlands region.
The Coutts Woman restaurant reviews have been provided by the Coutts World Concierge Service, delivered by Ten Lifestyle Management.
Coutts World Concierge can make restaurant recommendations and bookings all over the world, as well as often secure the best tables and last minute reservations not publicly available. For more information or help with a specific query call 0808 1000 887 or email diningclub@tenuk.com
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