Despite the small, plain frontage with a high window making it difficult to see in, and the rather naff name, we have used this restaurant several times as it is in a quiet part of the City, not too far from the centre, with reasonable street parking outside (and a public car park nearby if necessary). Up a few steps and through the door takes you into a relatively large (seating about 90) waiting area with a well stocked bar, and a long restaurant which seats about 90 in roomy surroundings. A water fountain features near the front, where there is also a good sized round table to accommodate parties of 8 or 10. 

It has been established since about the mid-nineties, and when we first went there in about 1999 I reported that the furnishings, linen etc. gave every appearance of quality, and was crowded with what I described as a mature and genteel clientele (certainly not lager lout territory). On a couple of visits since I have noticed that it has become less crowded, although the food has remained good. On this occasion, therefore, I was disappointed to see the trend continuing as it was virtually empty on a Saturday night - most unusual. Also, the high standard of decor has also declined, probably because it has not been touched since it opened. The carpet is now rather grubby and the decor shows signs of wear. I feared the worst. 

However, food-wise I need not have worried. The menu (standard high street dishes) remained the same, and the food was still good. Onion Bhajia starters were excellent and as I have previously reported - crisp right through and with a good garnish. Chicken Chat also very good. Main dishes were all similarly well cooked and well spiced. For example, my Chicken Tikka Dhansak was just right - hot with a tasty lentil based sauce that had just a hint of sweetness.  Meat Bhuna well flavoured, and the Chicken Pathia was tasty (also perhaps not as hot as often found - certainly not as hot as the Dhansak). The vegetable dishes were also first rate - Vegetable Bhaji and Aloo Gobi both delicately spiced and lightly cooked to retain the texture and taste of the vegetables while the Tarka Dall was spicy and delicious.

The waiters not 'smartly uniformed' as I reported originally, although they (only two this time) still provided a very efficient service (perhaps unsurprising since we were virtually the only ones there), and were very friendly. Prices about average, but portions were generous - so much so that we took the plentiful leftovers with us (and again no problem with this. The manager just brought a few containers and invited us to pack it how we wished. Very helpful).

Despite the decline in the decor (although don't get me wrong - it's OK, but just declined since our first visit) and curious lack of customers, we again had a very good meal and I still stand by my original comments of 'formula curry it might have been, but it was above the average standard'.

Malcolm Wilkins - July 2004