Despite a certain lack of imagination in its name, this restaurant has now been established for almost 20 years in this Kentish village and has a good local reputation (it has had some competition in the shape of the nearby Royal for the last couple of years, but I am told this has had little impact on its business). A pleasant and comfortable restaurant, nicely decorated with ceiling fans. A comprehensive menu offering all the usuals.

Starters (or ‘hors-d-oevre’ as the menu terms it!) of Chicken Tikka tasty and plentiful with a good salad garnish and the main dishes of Chicken Tikka Dhansak in a good, thick lentil sauce and well spiced with several pieces of lemon for sharpness although not particularly hot. The Chicken Patia was equally flavoursome and again in a good thick sauce. Dry Vegetable a good mix of vegetable, Bombay Aloo extremely tasty with lots of spice and onion, while the Tarka Dall (curiously missing from the latest menu - it always used to be there - but they can do it on request) is excellent with a strong onion and garlic flavour.

Service efficient and friendly, portions ample although prices marginally higher than average. I have used this restaurant on several occasions over the years and always had a good meal. Formula curry it may be, but they do it to a good standard.

Malcolm Wilkins - August 2002

PS. It's probably always crowded, as on my visit to Staplehurst in August 2000, locals got the train to eat in Marden! (See my report of Maloncho restaurant in Staplehurst.)