Overlooking breathtaking countryside, The Yew Tree (Indian Courtyard) stands proud along the A355 between Farnham Common and Beaconsfield.

But it is not just the stunning views that sets it apart from other Indian restaurants, as I found out when I went to sample the menu with my partner Stephen.

The restaurant was fairly busy for a mid-week evening which is always a good sign and the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly, showing us to our table promptly, so I had high hopes for an evening of authentic Indian food and good service.

There is a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, which felt both cosy and warm with wood panelled walls and floor, but also airy and modern with white walls and big windows.

And we were lucky enough to be seated by the fish tank, which made it all the more tranquil.

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Picture by ARM Images.

After placing a drinks order – a dry Sauvignon Blanc for me (£4.25 for a 175ml glass), a Cobra for Stephen (£3.25 per pint) and feeling suitably relaxed, Stephen and I perused the vast menu.

It has a fantastic range of traditional and contemporary dishes for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, including an impressive sounding seafood moilee for £11 (prawns, squids, queen scallops, white fish tempered with mustard, curry leaves, ginger, chilli and finished with coconut milk) and a whole shank of lamb marinated with yoghurt, ginger, cashew nut paste, chilli, served with Indian mash potatoes (£11.50) – perfect for large groups with different tastes and requirements.

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Picture by ARM Images.

To start, we decided to share a portion of mogos (deep fried cassava batons) at £4.50. They come plain, salted or tossed in the chef’s special chilli and garlic sauce.

We chose the latter and were impressed with the portion size when it arrived at our table. The chilli and garlic was a mouth-watering combination and complimented the cassava nicely, but it is worth noting that the chilli may be a little hot for those who prefer milder dishes.

Onto the mains, and I chose a kadai murg (£9.50) with a side of pilau rice for £3 a portion. There was plenty of chicken in a delicious rich sauce with an abundance of spices, onions, peppers and fresh herbs.

The dish was full of flavour and the vegetables added a nice crunch to the sauce, which was mild enough for my tastes but also had a slight kick to give it some heat. The fragrant rice accompanied the sauce perfectly and both were presented very nicely.

Feeling slightly adventurous, Stephen went for something a little out of the ordinary and chose goat curry (£9.50) with a keema naan on the side for £3. The menu proudly announces that the goat is British born and bred. The dish was slow cooked an array of spices including mace, cardamom and bayleaf and was unsurprisingly bursting with flavour. The meat was also incredibly tender and melted in the mouth, not overcooked or chewy at all.

The chef’s passion for cooking authentic Indian food was evident in the quality of the ingredients, the presentation of the dishes and the perfectly cooked meals.

The portion sizes are incredibly generous so we couldn’t quite fit in a dessert, but there were some tantalising treats on the menu including crème brulee and chocolate mousse to finish the meal off nicely.

The Yew Tree (Indian Courtyard) used to be a pub and the restaurant owners have tried to retain a slice of history with an impressive beer garden and decking with barbecue area, overlooking the picturesque countryside of Farnham Common and Hedgerley – the perfect setting for family gatherings, private functions or just to enjoy a beer and a curry in the sunshine comes summer. 

It is undeniable that the location sets it apart from other Indian restaurants, but The Yew Tree (Indian Courtyard) is miles ahead of the competition in every area - the food menu is wide and varied, our meals were cooked to perfection and there is a wide selection of Indian and international beers, spirits and wines.

The dishes are perhaps a little pricier than you would find in other restaurants, but the quality of the ingredients, range of drinks and service from the team is second to none and worth every penny.

Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and they were only too happy to help when you needed it.

Visit http://yewtree.london/ to learn more about the restaurant and view the menu.