3 /5 Jay: When friends you’ve known for decades invite you to watch football together—especially when there’s a chance of laughing at Arsenal’s expense—there isn’t much to think about. The answer was an immediate yes.
The atmosphere at The Seven perfectly suited the occasion. After warm greetings, we clinked glasses and settled in for the Manchester United v Arsenal match. I had a crisp, ice-cold pint of Moretti, while my friends opted for everything from 0% Guinness to shandy. Drinks were served at just the right temperature—refreshing and spot on for a warm London day.
By half-time, hunger set in, and we ordered a selection of dishes:
• Tandoori Chicken Wings – Marinated in a hot and spicy masala and served with chilli chutney. Perfectly fine, though nothing particularly memorable.
• Chicken Tikka – Yoghurt, Kashmiri chilli, and tandoori spices. Again, acceptable, but very much the standard fare you’d find in countless places across London.
• Garlic & Chilli Tilapia Fish – Easily the standout dish of the evening. Succulent, spiced beautifully, and elevated by sautéed onions and peppers. Paired with garlic naan, this was an absolute highlight.
• Karahi Lamb – Rich and aromatic, though a little underwhelming compared to versions I’ve had elsewhere.
• Paneer Tikka Masala – Creamy, tomato-based, and pleasant enough, though ultimately bland. It leaned too heavily on texture, lacking the depth of flavour I usually expect.
What The Seven might lack in standout Indian cuisine, it makes up for in setting and service. The spacious outdoor grounds, the warm weather, and the buzz of children playing while football streamed across multiple screens created a lively and relaxed backdrop.
Most importantly, the staff were exceptional—friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm in their manner. Their smiles and good humour gave the whole place an inviting, community feel.
In short, The Seven is not where I’d go for a refined Indian dining experience, but it is where I’d gladly return for an afternoon of football, drinks, and good company. It’s the kind of place that makes catch-ups with old friends feel easy and enjoyable.
