Diwan Balti

The Curryholic

It's been over 25 years since we last dined here, we used to be regulars back then. Unsurprisingly the dining room has changed and for the better, smart toilets now too. I enjoyed my meal here, and the wife would have done except she found all to be on the hot side. It started well, the poppadoms and chutneys were very enjoyable. We then had a few issues with the menu or rather the ordering. When I asked what the Pathia Diwan Style was like, our waiter told me to read the menu, I wasn't impressed and told him he should ask someone who would know. If you're interested it's the same as most pathias. I opted for a sheekh kebab to share, a balti chicken tikka jalfrezi, and the wife a "safeish" chicken and mushroom balti. The sheekh kebab was quite hot, this I find typical of most Pakistani starters. It was also very firm in texture and I am fairly confident that it had been microwaved. Despite this, I thought it OK but the wife gave me hers after a few bites. It was a similar experience with the baltis, mine was very good and the wife struggled through hers. I think every one of the staff must have asked if the meal was OK, I was going to mention the wife's was a bit too hot for her but she didn't want to make a fuss. No complaints with the sides and the portions were generous. I thought it was reasonably priced, the bill being all the better as you can take your own alcohol. That said, I noticed quite a few taking in their own soft drinks, it's not just here either.

John Rudkin

This is a truly outstanding curry house. Bring your own beer if required. Tremendously efficient service, the prices are supreme and the grub is ace. Ok, our taxi from The Grand Hotel at about 20.15 on a Friday hit heavy traffic so incurred extra expenditure, but still. Do not be put off by the surroundings, give this joint a try!

Mavis Collett

Great meal. Haven't been hear for yrs. Excellent food and service very polite staff. Definitely be back soon.