At the date of my visit Ludlow had three Indian restaurants. The original was the Shapla Tandoori in Tower Street, which opened in 1982. Nine years ago the owner opened a second branch in town (ambitious for a relatively small town but there was no other competition). This is a Balti House and with great imagination they called it Shapla Balti and Kebab House (yes, they also do kebabs). However, competition has come at last in the form of Golden Moments, only some half a dozen doors away from the afore mentioned Balti House. This opened on 1st February 2001 and has no connection with the other two (the owner comes from Walsall where he has another restaurant).

I looked in them all. The Shapla Tandoori seats about 50 and is brightly lit with light coloured walls, sandy upholstery and a single (artificial) flower on each table. Although all three are centrally situated (not difficult in such a small town) this was the nearest to the noisiest (and possibly rowdiest) pubs. The Shapla Balti House looked a bit more down to earth, although comfortable. Fairly plain decoration but appetising smells as I entered. I liked the atmosphere immediately. The third, Golden Moments, was very smart and comfortable looking with smartly uniformed waiters ready to pounce on those entering with an effusive welcome. It looked very comfortable and appeared to seat about 60. I’m sure the service would have been excellent - perhaps too attentive in an effort to please in such early days of becoming established. I was tempted to support them as it was new but the attention I was getting just for making a general enquiry was a bit too overwhelming. In the end I decided on the Shapla Balti House for my evening meal.

Malcolm Wilkins - February 2001