16.4.16 Cinnamon Tree Mortimer

Last time we visited here is was that stormy Valentine's evening in 2015 and the door kept blowing open. Well door hasn't been fixed but it wasn't such a problem this time.
Staff attentive and friendly especially before it got busier.
The table was a little small and it was a bit of a balancing act. It was however beautifully set and waiters opened up the napkins at the start and the towels were fabric towels at the end.
The food was alright nothing to complain about nor rave about. Tried chick pea potatoes rather than the Bombay aloo, will return to usual next time
Had a complementary vodka and coke.
Slightly more expensive than usual but not massively so... maybe that was to cover the complmenatry drink!

7/10

9.4.16 Blue Ginger

Back to Blue Ginger in Whitchurch last night. Great to have the company of the Lewis family. Such tall people, getting into the car was interesting!
Restaurant again didn't disappoint. Everyone very pleased with their meals. ( chicken Madras, Chicken madras, Lamb shank and can't rememebr what David had!
I was asked why not a 10? Service was a little slow and toilet floor needed a brush but couldn't fault the food. 9/10 again.
Sorry abput poor quality of photos!

 

19.3.16 Spice Thatcham

I have always felt that this restaurant lacks character. This was a very disappointing visit. The food was greasy and tasteless. The chicken tikka however did come on a sizzler. The photo is of Alan checking the rugby score.
5/10

12.3.16 Jaipur Newbury

Night out with neighbours Johna and Chrissie to the Jaipur restaurant in Newbury.
Didn't start well.
Room a little cold, hence the coat over the shoulders.
Service s.l.o.w.
Chutneys and sauces a little watery.
Redeemed with a good main meal.
The indian music pleased some but not others.
Overall, the miserable start brought the
score down to 6/10.

20.2.16 Nawab Thatcham

Stayed local last night, Nawab in Thatcham. It is so much nicer than the Nawab in Newbury.
We have felt that this restaurnat has gone downhill since we first started going there but feel it is on the way back up.
I  wished the chicken tikka had been served sizzzling, Alan said his food wasn't as spicy as he would have wished for a Madras. Poppadums and chutneys were nice.

Alan gave it a 6 and me a 7 so we compromised and gave it a 6 1/2. We gave it a 6 last time, I think it went up as it was warmer and a better atmosphere.

 

30.1.16 Redfort Overton

Vistied the Redfort at Overton last night.
Came upon this restaurant by accident about a couple of weeks ago when visiting "Pickles" at Overton and had a chat with  a local.
The service was very efficient.
I changed my  usual order from Chicken tikka to special chicken tandoori. That was a mistake as it took away the comparison of same dish element, so next time back to chicken Tandoori.
As you can ascentain from the above comment, there will be a next time.
It was a pity that this dish didn't come with salad but did come sizzling. I was pleased to see that we were back to white tablecloths and a waiter opening the warm towels at the end of the meal. It all adds to the experience.
Alan and I deliberated between 6 and 7 out of ten so compromised with 6 1/2.
I was pleased that the restaurant was warm which made it comfortable.
I need to be a bit more creative with the photos. Wait and see.
Alan away for two Saturdays now so no blog for a couple of weeks.... a bit far for him to come back from Japan from his skiing holiday.

23.1.15 Red peppers

Two Indian's this week, a takeaway in Ammanford, not the best.

 

The Red Peppers in Newbury tonight. This restaurant used to be one of the favourite but went downhill. Decided to give it another go tonight. Used to love the Mango Nawabi but  last time, I could't taste the mango! I can't have this any more as on a diet.
The bill was slightly cheaper than our usual Saturday night meal. there was however a lack of ambiance.It is advertised as  an unpretentious restaurant and the cleaning materials in the corner were

 

testament to this. Missed the white tablecloth and there were no warm towels. Alan liked his meal, Chicken Laziz. My chicken tikka was OK. 6/10