Out for our usual on Saturday night and wanting to try somewhere new we arrived at the Bangla Lounge at 7.00pm without a booking. I'll be honest and if we hadn't had got a parking space nearby we would have gone on to somewhere else.
It was quite full so perhaps being only two of us helped us get a table.
The look from outside tends to promise more than the inside delivers but it's ok. The décor is softly furnished, pleasant but getting a little tired in places. The layout splits the restaurant in two halves; unfortunately we were in the wrong half. A baby squealing from one end of the restaurant and a continuous stream of expletives from a large birthday party at the other put a downer on the night.
I barely had my coat off and hadn't read the wine list before the drinks were offered. A special mention to real ale fans for the available Speckled Hen. The popadoms were also promptly offered and provided, the accompanying three sauces was typical but good, a bit of effort had been made with the onion salad that was tastier than usual.
There's a very large choice on the menu, this includes three sections of so called Specials. I could be wrong, but this can often result in the differences between them being subtle. Overall I thought the pricing is reasonable.
It was busy and it took some time, plus a reminder, for our order to be taken. When he did arrive I felt our waiter wasn't clued up enough to give me good advice on some of the dishes on offer so we took our chances.
The mixed starter & sheek kebab arrived after a 40 min wait, during this time they pushed the drinks and they must have been offered at least half a dozen times.
The kebab came on a plate and not a sizzler; unfortunately it was a little cool and bland. The mixed starter however was very good, it consisted of a generous portion of prawn puri, onion bhaji and chicken tikka, all nicely spiced with a fresh side salad, good value we thought!
The main courses arrived also after a wait. My chicken tikka jalfrezi (hot) was very good being both hot and tasty; my wife really enjoyed her chicken tikka bhuna.
The onion fried rice, garlic & coriander nan was very good but the chunky frozen chips were slight oily. Two table warmers ensured everything was kept warm.
The baby & parents eventually left but the stream of foul language continued from the near by table so asked for the bill in lieu of the dessert menu. That too was slow in arriving so I paid at the bar and they lost out on a tip.
Contrary to other reviews I can't say that the staff made us feel very welcome, indeed I don't recall a smile or acknowledgement from any of them throughout , not even a how was your meal?
So how do you rate it? Difficult, yes we had 4 star food but the night was spoilt by the inconsideration of other customers and also let down by seemingly oblivious staff. You may not be so unlucky on your visit. read more