Shaad was a bit of a surprise to me.. We're in a quiet sleepy town and wanted to go out for a…read moremeal. 'We have a superb restaurant' was offered up, and to be honest, with a whole two to chose from, we went with the recommendation.
To say that we were intrigued upon arrival is somewhat an understatement. The decor was slightly unusual to be honest, but it was very modern and welcoming.. If anything the slightly unusual decor was actually quite a conversation starter, and was really nice.. We were having a bit of a celebration, and were greeted warmly, even though most of the mezzanine floor was being catered for by a large party..
We never felt we were being under-serviced by the employees, who were obviously busy ( a sat night, and a large party upstairs) but the staff were always attentive, courteous and friendly.
The starters were of a very generous size, and incredibly delicious... Our party had Prawn puree, Reshmie kebab, Meat Samosas, and Chicken Chat (which was really good - it's what I had, and was nearly a full meal in size)
We'd ordered Bangla beer, and wine,.. so everything slipped down nicely.. The wine was a rose, and was perfectly and easily chosen for the meal... (good, inexpensive cellar they have there)
For mains, we had a selection of dishes, ranging from a jalfrezi, which was perfectly spiced and quite fierce - as it should be... To an amazing Dhansak in both meat and chicken... which were mouthwatering and both very different.. which is always a good sign.. as it definitely wasn't from the usual 'same pot of sauce' - and to be honest, you'd have known that the second you walked in,.. We also had a Pasanda - rich and creamy and and exactly as you'd want.
The staff were always there, but definitely not 'always on your shoulder' which win big points with me, but were there in an instant to change a glass upon request.. 10/10..
Also, one of the things that impressed me personally, was the way that upon leaving the table for a 'rest break' this was when they chose to ask if the meal was OK.. This was a much more genuine way of doing it, as it stopped any embarrassment - of which there would have been none, as everything was of an incredibly high standard.
The head waiter was really nice and genuine too,.. Top marks for him without doubt.
To say That even though I live hundreds of miles away, I was inclined to take a card for recommendation speaks volumes.
The staff are brilliant, not overpowering, but always there in a second if required, coupled with really top class food and a very reasonable price point in a really nice location would make this an easy choice in the future... if they have a table..
They have lots of space, but a restaurant with these qualities hopefully will remain busy constantly..
Would I recommend it? - Er, yes - definitely.
I'm lucky enough to have several world-class Indian restaurants near where I live, so am regularly disappointed with others 'bests',.. Shaad, does not fall into this category, It's like your best local, but elsewhere.
Would I go again,.. I'll let you into a secret,.. I'm already planning to.