2 /5 Václav Pavlík: Disappointing Experience at Clays - More Hype Than Substance
We visited Clays in Reading on a Friday evening, hoping for a standout Indian dining experience given its generally positive reviews. Unfortunately, our visit was largely disappointing, marked by incredibly slow service and food that failed to live up to the premium price tag.
Upon arrival, despite the restaurant only being at half capacity, we were left waiting a full 10 minutes before anyone approached our table to take a drink order. This set the tone for the rest of the evening. Our starters, once ordered, took a further 20 minutes to arrive. The most frustrating wait, however, was for our main courses, which took an astonishing hour from the time of order. When we enquired about the delay, we were simply told that the restaurant was "busy" and the kitchen was "overflowed" – an explanation that felt disingenuous given the visible half-empty dining room.
The food itself was underwhelming. While perfectly edible, it tasted remarkably similar to what youd expect from an average Indian takeaway, yet at three times the price. We had hoped for something more distinctive and refined, but it simply didnt justify the cost.
We found the restaurant quite noisy, perhaps unlucky enough to be seated next to a loud table of four gentlemen.
Overall, our experience at Clays left us thoroughly underwhelmed. For the prices charged, the slow service and ordinary food were simply not acceptable. Reading boasts numerous other Indian restaurants that offer superior food and a better dining experience, often at a more reasonable price point. I would recommend exploring other options before settling on
