Pictured above: Mint Leaf owner Ansar Mahmood outside
his Burton premises
A new restaurant has opened in Burton town centre, bringing a
fresh lease of life to a fine building and a first class experience
to diners.
Mint Leaf opened last week in Burton House at the corner of
Guild Street and George Street.
Mint Leaf has been brewed up by local man Ansar Mahmood who saw
the chance to open a first rate restaurant in an empty building in
a prime location.
Ansar has experience in the catering trade, having run The Barn
restaurant at Stubby Lane, Marchington, for seven years.
Ansar looked at Burton House some time ago and thought it the
perfect place for an upmarket restaurant.
Pictured above: Head chef Abdul Qayyum proudly holds a
copy of the menu beside the restaurant's Mint Leaf tree
Burton House was built in the late 19th century by Lord Burton,
son of Michael Thomas Bass. As well as heading the family brewing
firm, Bass was MP for Derby from 1848-83. Bass financed the library
in the Wardwick and also gave a recreation ground.
Burton House was built as a Liberal Club to replace one that was
incorporated into the town hall. In recent years it has been a
restaurant and offices but had been empty for some time until
acquired by Ansar in November.
By using savings and a loan Ansar has invested £150,000
into the project, which included decorating, fitting out,
furnishings and installing kitchen equipment.
Mint Leaf has three separate dining rooms which can seat 110
covers. It focuses on serving mainly Indian, Pakistani and Kashmiri
cuisine.
Pictured above: Classic meets contemporary in the Mint
Leaf interior
Rooms can be hired out for private functions such as weddings,
parties and even small conferences.
Initially, Mint Leaf will provide work for six full-time and
four part-time staff, though more may be taken on later.
Experienced chefs from across the world have combined their
know-how to create the menus.
Rooms have ornate decorative ceilings, and tables and chairs
have been brought over from Italy to add to the ambience.
"Customers will have fine dining so that they will enjoy not
just a meal but an experience," said Ansar.
Mint Leaf, which is fully-licensed, is open seven days a week in
the evenings until 11.30pm, with lunchtime openings to follow soon.
It has easy access for disabled people.