Shimla Pink, Orpington

Wednesday 4th July 2012

On American Independence day, Shimla Pink was next on the to-do-list for the connoisseurs.  I’d heard good things about the place and was keen to see how it ranked with other well-known restaurants in the borough.

Situated on the end of Orpington’s busy high street, Shimla Pinks smart, modern appearance definitely makes it stand out – admittedly this isn’t exactly Kensington High Street but it looks good.

Inside, the décor is very stylish which of course raises expectations for the menu.  For starter, I had Aloo Chat Puree enjoyable enough but rather heavy.  The Main course I went for was Balti Special Masala.  The chicken was grilled and quite tikka-like, very tasty but the sauce,  despite being requested vindaloo hot, was lacking ‘oomph’.  This seemed to be the consensus with the rest of group.  Everyone felt their dishes needed the spice kicked up a notch.

No one walked away hungry though, their ‘Banqueting Night’ offer on weekday evenings includes poppadams,  starter,  main course,  rice or naan  and a side dish.

All in all, a decent restaurant and I suspect one of the better places in Orpington but as for the ‘Chilli Diaries Curry House of the Year Award’ – it’s just not a contender.

MENU:
MAIN:- A little bland. For a smart looking restaurant, rather bog standard ruby murray     11/20

STARTER/SIDES- Starters were more popular. the Saag Paneer side dish was very tasty  7/10

VARIETY:  A wide range of ‘chefs specials’.  They also have Balti options.                         7/10

HEAT: The spice level was disappointing.  More kick needed!                                              2/5

DRINKS: The usual Cobra/Kingfisher choice.  Luke's coke was “unacceptably warm”!       3/5

VENUE:
ATMOS: Typical ‘modern contemporary’. Stylish but pretty minimalist & cold feeling       11/20
SERVICE:  Seemed disorganised.  We were repeatedly asked the same questions           5/10
VALUE: They have a very reasonable weekday ‘banqueting Night’. 5 courses for £12.50  6/10
LOCATION:  Town centre high street.  Plenty of nearby parking                                           4/5
BONUS:   Complimentary drinks were offered at the end                                                      4/5

TOTAL: 63%

 

Doesn’t quite live up to its upmarket pretentions.

 

Shimla Pink

326 High Street  

Orpington

BR6 0NG
01689 828800

Open 12pm-4pm  &  6pm-11:30pm.  All Day Sunday

http://www.eatlicious.com/shimlapink/