Little Chef the home of the deeply average ( but often very welcome) English breakfast, and generally speaking, excepting Heston Blumenthal's efforts, a bit of an anachronism . This isn't a Little Chef, but it does occupy the site of one, which is perhaps a surprising location for an Indian restaurant. No doubt it's a cheap location. You won't find it unless you know it's here; I sincerely doubt there is much passing trade. We visited on a Monday night three tables were taken, and the restaurant felt very, very empty.
The Banyan has, I believe, been voted Best Indian Restaurant 2011 by the Nottingham Post. This of course may impact what you think, and I can't say I've had a good sample of the competition.
But don't let this confuse you; the interior is definitely more promising than the exterior a definite upscale feel, and efficient staff. The menu has, to a degree, old curry house favourites, but the majority is made up of a more authentic array of dishes. Starters are around the £7 mark, mains around £10, and sides (Saag Aloo, etc) about £4, which is of course a little pricier than the average curry house. High points included a starter of Jinga Massa ( prawns in a spiced batter) and Roshni Chili Murag as a main, which was rich and tasty, but not over-hot. The drinks list incorporates the usual Cobra and Kingfisher, but also King Cobra 8% ABV served in a wine bucket, to be drunk from what looks a lot like a champagne flute. Hmmmmm..Also disappointingly, the dessert menu, which we didn't sample, looked to be the usual array of freezer fodder kulfis etc. I'd come back, but perhaps not if I was paying. read more
