CURRY SCENE

The pleasant little county town of Hertford boasts four Indian restaurants in the town center (plus a couple of take-aways). The longest established is the Tikka Cottage in Castle Street, just up from Parliament Square. Although established about 25 years ago it was not the first Indian restaurant in Hertford, but the original closed to become a Thai restaurant, giving Tikka Cottage the honour of the longest serving. A pleasant little restaurant, with some 45 seats making it the smallest of the quartet. A full report is provided separately

The next oldest is the Shahenshah, just around the corner at number 6 Fore Street. This one, so I was informed, has been there for ‘about 18 or 19 years’, so again is long established. It has an extensive menu with plenty of interesting things on offer, although slightly more pricey. The interior appears full of charm, with tables separated by etched glass partitions, although I couldn’t go right in for a good look.

Next come the Hot House, a first floor restaurant at 19-21 Maidenhead Street. Unfortunately the entrance is just up a narrow side road off Maidenhead Street, which is almost opposite a side entrance to MacDonalds. I’m afraid that groups of youngsters seem to hang around this side door and, although not causing any trouble when I was there, nevertheless have an intimidating effect (and the pavement outside was covered with litter and old cigarette butts). However, apart from the rather off-putting entrance (and naff name!), once up the stairs the restaurant appears pleasant, with dark beams giving a slightly Olde Worlde effect. It’s been there for about ten years, so again has some pedigree, and seats about 60.

The last, and newest, addition is Bollywoods, situated at the far end of Fore Street at number 97-101. Opening at the end of 2003 it is a capacious restaurant seating an enormous 160 plus, and decorated in the trendy, contemporary style of pale, wooden-backed chairs, chrome, and numerous padded semi-circular seats. A very stylish addition to the curry scene in Hertford. Again a good menu, and again (but not unexpectedly), slightly pricier.

Although I have only eaten in one of the four, they all looked (and smelled) good and I would have been very happy to eat in any of them. And I’m sure you would get a good meal in each of them, making it a difficult choice for the visitor to make.

 Malcolm Wilkins – March 2004