Brigadiers

Visiting an Indian restaurant in London’s bustling banking district is always an exciting culinary adventure, and I found myself eagerly anticipating my experience at Brigadiers. Despite the hectic traffic and the usual beeping from angry cabbies in, I was ready to give this one a go. Brigadiers, recommended by many, boasts a unique pub-restaurant vibe with a sports theme, and it was packed with diners, reflecting its popularity.

After being seated outside to enjoy the lovely weather, I browsed the menu, which was undeniably pricey yet promised high quality. The set menu caught my eye—two courses for £25 or three for £30—available Monday to Friday from 12 to 3 PM. Opting for the three-course set menu, I was excited to indulge in goat belly vindaloo, tawa prawn biryani, and a delightful coconut kulfi.

As the meal began, the poppadoms arrived, and I was instantly drawn in by their vibrant colours. Each poppadom came with a selection of unique dips, including aubergine, mint, and tomato-based sauces. I particularly loved the mint sauce, with its refreshing hint of lemongrass. The goat belly vindaloo followed, and it didn’t disappoint. It was spicy yet beautifully balanced, with a sweetness that complemented the heat perfectly. The Afghani lamb rib eye kebab skewer was a standout, boasting a tenderness and smoky flavour that truly elevated my dining experience.

Moving on to the main courses, the taiwa prawn biryani was generously portioned, featuring large prawns and a delightful spiciness. However, the cauliflower korma took the spotlight. Its unique flavour and perfect cooking made it a memorable dish. The bread basket, although disappointing with its non-crispy texture and slight greasiness, didn’t overshadow the overall quality of the meal.

Dessert was a treat—coconut kulfi with wood-roasted pineapple and lime. The clever combination of sweet and sour flavours left me feeling satisfied yet not overly full. The restaurant’s interior was just as captivating, with a well-designed bar area and unique toilets featuring ice cubes in the urinals—a quirky touch!

When it came time to settle the bill, I was surprised to see a total of £79.45, including a 13.5% service charge. While the prices may be steep, I wholeheartedly recommend trying the set menu for its excellent value in such an expensive area. Overall, I would rate Brigadiers a solid nine out of ten. The minor hiccups with the bread and cold plates didn’t overshadow the cleverly curated menu, exceptional service, and the high-quality cooking I experienced.