The fist decision was relatively easy as Jayanti is a first floor restaurant but the stairway, while carpeted, was absolutely filthy. It could do with a good washing, hoovering and general smartening up to even begin to look appealing. Furthermore, the small menu outside was the least attractively produced and all in all it wasn’t very inviting.

This left four, all of which looked fairly standard high street curry houses. However, despite looking a pleasant enough restaurant with attractive pink decor and table cloths, Tandoori Nights was the next to be discounted as it was furthest from where we were staying. The Gandhi looked quite a small restaurant but was also a bit out from the centre (although not far) in New North Road and was therefore similarly discounted. The Ganges on the other hand was right in the City centre in Fore Street and had the most interesting menu. However, if Friday night was anything to go by it would be absolutely packed with fairly raucous youthful customers on the Saturday evening. Tempted as I was by the menu we decided not to risk our Saturday evening meal surrounded by hordes of drunks (perhaps I misjudged it, but we decided not to take the chance).

Finally, the Taj Mahal was situated in an attractive Georgian terrace in Queen Street fairly near the station and, although also a little away from the centre it was very conveniently situated to where we were staying. Being in the Georgian Terrace made it difficult to see into but I was told it is the oldest established Indian restaurant in the City. For this reason, and convenience, we plumped for the Taj Mahal. However, in retrospect perhaps we should have tried one of the others - but next time the choice will be easier.

Malcolm Wilkins- January 1999