Erik Hildebrandt
This was my first time back in over 10 years, and the food, service and feel is just the way I remembered it! Every dish we tried, from the creamy Butter Chicken to the perfectly Tika Masala was a symphony of flavors. What truly set our experience apart was the staff, who were not only attentive but also shared wonderful anecdotes behind each dish. A gastronomic journey I won't soon forget. Highly recommend to all seeking an authentic and delightful culinary experience!
The Curryholic
Our first time here. It's an unpretentious little restaurant that seems to be very popular with the locals. I also suggest that a Friday / Saturday night curry is generally not a 'thing' with tourists.
On our Friday night there was only one unoccupied table when we left, and I noticed about 4 or 5 walk-ins booking tables for the Saturday.
The night was great, Ahmed, one of the front of house guys is a character, he was excellent and even made the guys pose for a photo (he noticed me taking a pic of the food), he is very friendly, knew his menu, and engaged with everyone.
The dining room is a bit rough around the edges but it is clean with a "Good" food hygiene rating.
We found nothing wrong with the food, we really enjoyed the dips with the poppadoms and the sheekh kebab was one of the best we have had in a long time.
The main courses too were very good, this is personal preference of course. The chicken in the wife's bhuna was a fraction dry but my chicken tikka was excellent which I find is common trait in very busy restaurants. The sides of rice and fries were OK, but the fluffy and very tasty naan bread really did stand out.
Surprisingly for a Bangladeshi restaurant the Cobra and house Merlot were extremely good.
The service and timing was spot on, attentive, extremely friendly but not intrusive.
It's been here for over 25 years and extremely popular so regardless of what anyone thinks they are obviously doing something right.
Yes it is a bit pricey compared to some but it is Stratford, plus Covid broke many places and you really wouldn't want to be paying their gas bill.
Hannah Ouston
Excellent service and excellent food. Portion sizes were just right. Attentive but not obtrusive service. Good price for what we had. Would definitely recommend!
Jane Lindsay
Fantastic restaurant and the food is amazing, visiting from Manchester and beat our local restaurant hands down, the best Indian food we ever had 100% 5 star rated. Lovely staff and great atmosphere well worth a visit 👍
Michelle Hawkins
Lovely meal here. Found it by chance and the staff couldn't have been more accmodating. Food was amazing. Do give it a try.
Saj1706
Stratford Upon Avon , arrived and I have to say I was underwhelmed. I was expecting a bit more. I dont know why but the place , although steeped in history , just doesn't flow in the same way as other places of the same calibre do .
So after an underwhelming start, in an underwhelming hotel we decided to go out for a meal . I must add , at this point re the underwhelmingness , if there exists such a term and if not I copyright that phrase , the busker playing the guitar at the waterfront as the sun set was an immaculate moment , the kind that sears into the mind . The sound , the light, the surroundings , all seamlessly blend into One another which you are one with , nothing separate , all the dots connect and you realise you are the Whole , enough of this wiseacre and back to the tale at hand
Rang and organised a walk in and the staff seemed friendly on the phone , so I thought let's give it a shot , Hiding my apprehension from the other half as I am used to some super fine dining out curry experiences , originating from the north west of England.
Walked through the door and by the authentic bollywood tune playing in the background I knew straight away that these boys weren't hiding from their roots and sucking up to the "bon ton" types - and they meant business.
Monday night , restaurant packed good sign. Bollywood music , good sign and now the secret of the secrets, I always judge an indian restaurant by how good the poppadoms are . I ordered a full meal from starters to mains and sides and didn't include the poppadoms, at this point , I hasten to add, I was in a very giggly state , which we shan't go into , why ?
The Wifey , who I have to admit has magic in her slender fingers when it comes to cooking ordered the poppadoms. I thought it was my day off but I was wrong , I had to work for this piece of merriment .
Quiet simply, the poppadoms were beautiful. Crispy, not oily , fresh and that certain snap you can only get with quality poppadoms. Yes , the accompaniments , the usual fare of onion salad, mango chutney , mint yogurt thing , glow in the dark red thing could have been polished a bit more BUT the poppadoms were a law unto themselves , requiring nothing else to steal the thunder . Good start
The starter. Wifey was underwhelmed . Her emotional output was underwhelming especially from my vantage - ahem , so I order a prawn puri spice and with a hit of lemon , wifey decided to share. I knew it would be good and I knew she wouldn't be disappointed. Boy was I on the money. The puri was light , not oily and beautiful to eat . Add the prawns which had a hint of lemon, raw little pieces of raw mango and tamarind with a dash of hot spices was like having all the sprinklers in your mouth , that make the mouth water, turn on all at the same time and during a hose pipe ban , as was the impression of stratford upon avon , it certainly was getting down into the roots and I felt myself start to feel nourished . Game on
Then came the mains . Tarka dal , garlic chilli chicken, chips , garlic naan. When visiting a new restaurant , we always opt for the tried and tested. A way to fall back on a sense of familiar comparison, we shan't dissect this any further because I could write a full volume of a psychological thesis and we aren't here for that . We are here to salivate and get the essential.juices flowing , and ultimately leading to a waterfall that bombs down into the sea of tranquil witn its comforting foam and gentle rocking as the river and the sea meet Only downer is that the garlic chilli chicken was a bit too sweet , other than that ... the chips, immaculate . The tarka daal , subtle yet packed a punch , like being punched by a beautiful hand in a velvet glove in the kanckers , each to their own I say . The rice that accompanied the chicken was cooked up by a Master , it had - and I kid you not , little slivers of just about caramelised ginger. Good Lord one hit and you felt as if you just had a ginger nut biscuit , YES Now the crowning glory. The garlic naan . Ran out of characters at
Buddha of Blackpool
I've eaten at Thespians many times. I eat out a lot but Thespians is brilliant and unassuming. The music is perfect in that it's authentic to the food... Indian, as it should be. The staff are quick and attentive but not over the top. The lighting is a bit bright but that's no deal breaker. Most of all, the food is PERFECT. I eat so many Asian restaurant meals that are wrong, but Thespians just do it right and it's delicious. Compliments to the chef. 😋
Emmy GP
Lovely historic building, friendly staff, excellent service, delicious Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.
They also serve early or late meals, if you're going to see a play at the RSC.
Olivia Maiden
Meal was lovely and so so tasty! Full of flavour, service was amazing so quick and easy!! Highly recommend coming here for dinner 🤍
Respect the Pyjamas
Thespians is one of thee best Indians in the country. I can say that as i have tasted many, my boss is a connoisseur and i was an unwilling victim 16 years ago but now, I'm a full fledged appreciative of Indian cuisine .
Unfortunately, I'm not local to Thespians but they always remember me and they are extremely welcoming when i do get to visit. I'm probably on my 20th visit, if not more. The restaurant is in the heart of a beautiful picturesque town but is no way pretentious but homely. The food is absolutely delicious and if you like Naga curry, Thespians is the place. It is beyond delicious, the heat is there but the sweetnees of the Naga chillies is unspoiled, it is so tasty, it makes me salivate at the thought! No other Indian can make it like Thespians! If you get the chance to speak to the owners you will see how much they appreciate their customers as well care about the food they serve.
Try Thespians!
Hopefully see you soon Sam Xx
Nicki Tilt
I have been to this restaurant many times and loved it. I ordered a meal the other night and my poppadoms came all curled up and my chicken starter was raw. I tried to call them straight away but they were closed.. I contacted them the evening after to which the manager said he would send me free food. I explained that I had already eaten and he asked me to call another night. When I called last night the man who delivered my food answered, he said I could have the poppadoms and chicken starter for free. I explained that this wasn't good enough after biting into raw chicken I hadn't eaten the rest of the meal. The member of staff became quite defensive saying he was the one who delivered my meal and had had an 'ear full' from the manager due to my 1 star review on Just Eat. I explained I wasnt happy with the way he was blaming me for the bad experience and ended the call .. I am outraged at the way I have been treated. I could have been ill from the raw chicken and I get told off for writing an honest review? I got no resolution from this and paid £15 for my food
If I could add my photos I would, the chicken was raw in the middle.
Anthony Gibson
Very very very very tasty food great service highly recommended very very very very tasty curry great friendly and amazing service great food great place to eat excellent food excellent service excellent curry spot on
Sam Bruen
My boyfriend & I enjoyed a lovely meal for two here this evening...
Fantastic service.
Attentive, friendly & patient staff.
Tranquil surroundings.
Comfortable furnishings.
Amazing food & well presented.
Compliments to the management, staff & chef(s).
Diane Jane Wood
Excellent food, excellent service from all staff, will be returning when in Stratford again thanks a lot �
Marion Holmes
Really tasty food, staff very attentive and very quick service, would recommend.
Stuart Gomes
The food was fantastic and they looked after us brilliantly! Thanks guys for a lovely meal and great night!
Atul Kumar
The food is amazing. I've already been here twice now. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Definitely recommend.
Marie Burbury
Bank holiday weekend
We walked in & got table straight away.
Staff were so amazing & helpful.
Food was awesome
100% would come back
Thank you
Paul D Voyce
Try to eat here whenever I'm in Stratford - with or without my girlfriend. We both love it. The food is excellent, as is the service. The staff are always freindly and welcoming - even when the restaurant is full. Fantastic
Leeanne Mustoe
Just had the most amazing meal with my hubbie, such wonderful service and the food was delicious. Will definitely be back �
Alisha Ayre
We came last night for the first time, can honestly say the best Indian meal we've had, so much flavour and the service was amazing
Michele Welch
Came here back in August with my boyfriend and some friends during our first visit to Stratford Upon Avon. Fantastic food and service best Indian meal in ages. We will be coming up for another mini break next weekend so will definitely be paying you another visit. Only downside.....Your too far from London!
Linzi Cookson
Came for New Years Eve, with family. Excellent service and the food was top quality! Very accommodating also! Recommended highly!
Georgina Sayer
Brilliant people that looked after us very well and very tasty food. So organised too and settling the bill was the easiest ever on a large group night out I have experienced.
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