It’s not obligatory to shell out on a big Benares blowout; the standalone bar/lounge at this starry Berkeley Square Indian is tickety-boo for tiffin and cocktails, too. Focused service
delivers picture-pretty, vodka-based Mumbai martinis from a list of affordable drinks that also includes passion fruit and chutney martini and a saffron and cardamom version using Whitley
Neill gin. Also worth a punt are pineapple and ginger mojito and an aptly named ‘perfect sling’, while curry 75 (Champagne, Tanqueray 10, lemon juice and gomme) offers an Indian take on a
French 75. Sharing platters and individual bar bites are irresistible: spiced minced rabbit skewers with mint chutney, ginger-infused corn cakes, and sensational tandoor-roasted cauliflower
with a chilli blast, followed by a trio of cooling kulfis, make this a Mayfair must.