DURHAM CURRY SCENE

As far as I can tell there are now only four Indian restaurants in the city centre (a fifth, Cinnamon, a first floor restaurant in North Road, has recently closed).

Starting at the Market Square is the Spice Lounge, although this is not easy to find. Stand looking towards the church, and in the corner between the church and Town Hall is a narrow alley. Down this and round the corner is Spice Lounge. However, there are no windows to look inside, and no menu or pictures outside to give any indication as to what sort of restaurant lies within - ie prices, menu selection or decor - so as I didn't look in during the evening I can add nothing other than its whereabouts. I gather that this is the most recent Indian restaurant, taking over what used to be a pizza restaurant.

Going from the market square up Claypath, is the Rajpooth at number 80. It is Durham's longest established, being there for 25 years according to the waiter/manager. This was recommended as the best in town by two separate people I asked, so I ate there. Further up Claypath at number 69 (same side of road) is The Capital. Again, no menu was displayed in the window to assess what it offered or prices, but from looking through the window it appeared to be a fairy standard Indian restaurant with modern furnishings.

Going in the other direction from the Market Square towards the cathedral is Shaheen's at 48 North Bailey. It looks well worn from the outside (I believe it opened in 1989, thus making it the second one in Durham if Rajpooth's claim is correct) and looked to have a fairly standard menu.