5 /5 Matt Choules: So happy that this place has reopened after nearly 3 years of being closed.
My parents and I went back having been numerous times before it closed - it doesnt disappoint. Everyone coming in/out was beaming at how happy they are to have it reopened.
We went on a quiet Monday night (a few tables filled, but takeaway orders coming in in decent amounts).
We were happy to see a new set of dishes in the chefs recommended and house specials (plus theres the mainstay classics accomodated of course).
Note: Like most places they offer a warning that plates and dishes are hot, but here they are (or were for us) actually hot. No problems had, just advice. We were happy as it it kept the food nice heated for longer.
Managing to talk my folks into trying dishes outside their usual comfort zone (and me opting to try one of the chefs recommended dishes), one side, one rice, one naan (and papadums / chutney as a starter) we ordered the perfect amount for 3 and all left well fed and extremely happy with our choices.
The Peshwari Chicken dish impressed us all; its very tasty with its marinated chicken, especially for who like a mild dish - but didnt disappoint those of us that can handle heat with its depth of flavour.
The Adraki Chicken (apologies for spelling if incorrect) is a ginger lovers dream - although I was talked out of having the bullet chillis which I will admit I regretted as I am a chilli lover - but that was my fault and I still enjoyed it immensely.
The Lamb Biriyani was everything youd hope for from a Biriyani - plenty meat, flavoursome light fluffy rice which wasnt too oily. My one suggestion would have been the option to have a slightly hotter or richer side curry for that dish however - but again, spice lover!
The Saag Aloo was hearty and tasty - didnt skimp of the spinach. The Mushroom Rice we had was enough for my mum and I to share - but if you have a large appetite you might want a whole rice to yourself.
Finally the Garlic Naan is a more modest size compared to some restaurants, sliced into quarters, but has plenty of flavour from the plentiful garlic going for it, and so is quality over quantity.
A big thanks to the staff who were friendly and attentive, they brought the papdums / chutneys and drinks out quickly, left us to talk and enjoy while discussing the gameplan for mains/rice/breads and the inevitable starters vs sides convo. Once ordered and eating checked in a couple of times but otherwise let us sit and chat and enjoy our time there in calm peace.
The music was quiet but gave nice background ambience - never a bad thing, it only really stood out once when there was a cover song of a pop song I have recognised. Perfect.
Everyone commented on the new chairs being comfortable, the partitions being removed and feeling much more open and feeling larger. Part of me wondered if perhaps there might be a little too much open space, but Im certainly happy that they arent cramming lots more tables in as I could see that getting very loud on a busy evening..
Highly recommended, will come back soon!