Situated about a mile outside the village of Biddenden on the main A274 road, this restaurant has undergone a number of name changes over the years. Starting (I think) as the Maharajah, it became Kushboo, then changing to Spice, and now (from approx April 2004 according to the waiter) its current incarnation. 

Due to its location most people, including locals, would probably have to drive, but fortunately it has a small car park in the front to accommodate this. Inside it seats about 40 in fairly plain and unremarkable - almost basic - surroundings. Standard menu with all the usuals, although one or two less commonly seen dishes.

Being a bit pushed for time we were undecided whether to eat at the restaurant or have a take-away. Knowing the unreliability of booking systems in the majority of high street Indian restaurants we decided on a take-away. I was right to be concerned about the reliability of the restaurant if the take-away service was anything to go by! I telephoned my order and was told it would be ready in 30 minutes. Saying I was tight for time I asked them to ensure it was ready for collection. Helpfully the man said it would be ready in twenty to twenty five minutes. So far so good. Twenty five minutes later I arrived and paid, when they took my order slip to the kitchen. 30 minutes, 35 minutes and even 40 minutes passed with no sign of food. I expressed my agitation several times, to be told each time, 'it is coming'. After 45 minutes I said I wanted my money refunded as I could wait no longer. Ignoring me, the waiter disappeared into the kitchen, to reappear a couple of minutes later with my order. It is my opinion that the order wasn't put to the kitchen until I had arrived and paid - so much for giving a collection time, or the promises that it would be ready when I arrived. Not a good start.

I hoped that the food might be a redeeming feature, but sadly this was not the case. All dishes were bland in the extreme. The most disappointing was my main dish of Chicken Jaipur, which is described in the menu as a 'gingery hot dish cooked with fresh ginger and herbs' Well, there were slivers of fresh ginger in it, but there was no overall taste of ginger (or anything else come to that) unless eating one of these slivers, and hot it most definitely wasn't - not even medium by most restaurant standards.

Prices about average but portions on the small side. As for service, well the food seemed to be being transported from kitchen to table OK, but how long diners had to wait I can't say. All I can say is that my experience of the service was not good, and I noticed that none of the waiters looked happy, smiled or were welcoming in any way (last time I reported the service was 'friendly and efficient'.)

All in all, a deterioration on last times 'average', and maybe we'll see another change in due course. I doubt I'll return unless there is.

Malcolm Wilkins - July 2004