Getting there was easy and the Merrion Centre’s car park is literally a stone throw away, which is a bonus. On arrival I was greeted with a smile by a well dressed gentleman before I had even entered the venue. He asked me how I was, and not in the traditional English “please don’t actually answer that question” sort of way. When I explained briefly that what should have been a short walk had become a trek because my partner’s ankle was in plaster, he was genuinely attentive and suggested that the best thing for both of us was to enjoy a tasty drink…and we did! Buzzing Atmosphere The main foyer was buzzing, full of smiling faces and people generally soaking up the atmosphere with a drink. The general look and feel of the restaurant is superb with a highly sophisticated lighting arrangement that subtly changes colour. The blend of traditional and modern hits you visually. The bar is ultra modern and futuristic, as is the lighting, but the beautifully laid out tables, impeccably presented staff, and other fixtures and fittings invite you to relax and be looked after. I had the pleasure of chatting to a lady wearing a really colourful and beautiful sari, who was mingling and chatting with all the guests. Her name was Usha and she explained that while she was the owner’s sister, she loved being a part of the action, making people feel at home. Everybody at the launch knew they were going to be treated to a selection of delightful flavours, the drinks were flowing, and when we were finally ushered into the dining area, we could feel the anticipation in the air. My plus one had a keen eye on the light fittings and told me she fancied something similar for her house, commenting that, if the food was as good as we were expecting it to be, she would definitely want to come again. I was pretty hungry so was eagerly focused on what was to come! Elegant Presentation The starter was served; an elegantly presented arrangement of meat samosa, fish masala, chicken tikka, and salad with mint sauce on the side. It all tasted delicious but if I had to pick a favourite, I would strongly suggest trying the fish masala which seemed to melt in the mouth and had a more-ish and subtle flavour. On then to the main course or should I say COURSES. Along with the rice, they dished up a variety of curries for us to try: chicken tikka masala, chicken jalfrezi and lamb korai. It’s impossible to please everyone all of the time and this is certainly true when it comes to how hot and spicy a dish can be. However, my companion and I both found the spice factor to be just right. The chicken jalfrezi had the most kick in terms of hotness while the lamb was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. The prize for the most distinctive and interesting taste has to go to the chicken tikka masala. It was sweet but not too sweet, with a pleasant hint of lemon and something else that I couldn’t put my finger on. Usually, I am a lamb fanatic and that would beat a chicken meal hands down but if you are popping down to Bengal Brasserie’s new venue in Leeds’s very own Merrion Centre, treat yourself to the chicken tikka masala. You won’t be disappointed. All in all, a great time was had at the brasserie, and we all walked away with a lovely full feeling, knowing we had been well treated. Bengali Brasserie delivered everything it promised and we will definitely be visiting again soon.