THE RAJ TANDOORI

First Impressions:

The decor has that authentic "not been redecorated since 1980 " vibe.
If you are desperate for a pee, here you have to  exit the restaurant, and go next door up a wooden hill. Don't go in the door with the red light shining through the crack though!!!

Starters :

Good Papadums and pickle tray here.
The onion Bhajis are the size of Geoff Capes's balls! Very tasty though. 4 out of 5!

Mains :

I was crying with laughter here as Underdog decided to whisper the order of the Pashwari Naan! The confused waiter played along and the concept of Whisper Bread was born!
Dark and velvet flavors from both the Chicken Rezala and Lamb Dupiaza.
I have been to this restaurant on a few occasions and can also recommend the Chicken Saag.

The Verdict: 

One of the better places in Soho; fast service, old school.

Likely to dine here:

Ian Mcshane and Thin Lizzy 

***This restaurant is closed at the present time.

 

Directions :

the Raj Tandoori
72 Berwick St,  London W1F 8TD,

Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road 

THE GOLDEN OVEN

First Impressions :

Just an average looking restaurant..

Our Trivia question here was what Tikka means. A laugh that could be heard in Liverpool came from the waiters...

Starters :

Standard Satin Doll in C at a medium slow tempo for the Papadums and Onion Bhajis.

 

Mains:

The Tandoori chicken was average; small portions but tasty sauce.

The Lamb is boring, but not bad; kind of like the Mark of the Rani on VHS!

The Verdict :

Average, nothing special; like Clash of the Titans without Ray Harryhausen's effects!

Beware the filthy hand towel in the loos as well!

Likely to dine here :

Keanu Reeves and Steven Moffat

 

Directions:

The Golden Oven

22 Bateman St, London W1D 3AN

Nearest Tube :  Tottenham Court Road 

 

 

PUNJAB

First Impressions:

The Punjab is apparently the UK's oldest North Indian restaurant established in the 1940s.
We received a friendly greeting from the robotic waiters! This is a very popular restaurant so if you visit at the weekend, prepare for a bit of a wait!

Starters:

No Bhajis here only Pakoras. Luckily they were good. The Papadums were average with different than usual sauces and pickles. Not for me though...

Mains:

The Chicken Tika special was special indeed!
It arrived with the sounds of the final movement of Beethoven's 9th; two sauces, a shot of Brandy all in flames! Great flavors here! The Punjab Chicken also recommended.
The dishes are accompanied by huge portions of rice and Bread.
The waiters were also flexible about bringing an extra Madras sauce!
No hot towels or mints were offered here only lollipops!
I'm not really a fan of these and just popped it into my coat pocket. Several months later,  putting my hand in my coat pocket I came across the lollipop again! At the time I was totally confused about why it was there! Now I remember!

The Verdict :

A good experience overall, and a bit different to the usual cuisine.

Likely to dine here:

The Red line up of King Crimson 

 

Directions:

Punjab
80 Neal St, London WC2H 9PA

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

AJANTA

First Impressions:

I was eating in transit between gigs here, at the ghostly time for Indian restaurants of 6pm on a Tuesday!
I had the whole restaurant to myself.
Unfortunately, the waiter was not pleased to see me as I had woken him from a deep sleep!

Starters:

A real standard affair here; like There Will Never Be Another You, in Eb, played at a medium tempo. Papadums and Bhajis.... average.

Mains:

The Lamb Sag was tender with good flavors but quite greasy. The waiter had started to try a lot harder to please me by this point, after he figured that I was writing a review! To please me further he brought me a whole plate of fresh green chillies! The garlic naan was good but slightly dry. Rice was also good.

The Verdict:

Above average food. Once warmed up, the service was good!

Likely to dine here:

Bucks Fizz. Would Del Boy eat here though?

 

Directions:

Ajanta
10-12 Goldhawk Rd, London W12 8DH

Nearest Tube : Gold Hawk Road