Wednesday 13th June 2012
My Birthday this week gave me a chance to review what must be the poshest ‘curry house’ in Bromley, as my Missus, Sarah treated me to dinner at Tamasha. Set in a lovely three storey Victorian house, it’s obvious very early on that this place is a few cuts above your typical Indian restaurant.
We were welcomed by the doorman in traditional Indian dress who ushered us up the marble steps through to the bar area where we sat down for a drink while we awaited our table. The décor really gives a feeling of colonial India. Ceiling fans swish overhead and all the rooms are full of original photographs and memorabilia from the days of the Raj. We were soon shown to our table and found the main restaurant area was equally atmospheric.
We were welcomed by the doorman in traditional Indian dress who ushered us up the marble steps through to the bar area where we sat down for a drink while we awaited our table. The décor really gives a feeling of colonial India. Ceiling fans swish overhead and all the rooms are full of original photographs and memorabilia from the days of the Raj. We were soon shown to our table and found the main restaurant area was equally atmospheric.
I ordered Punjabi Gosht on recommendation from the waiter. Lovely juicy pieces of lamb, apparently braised, so tender it fell apart, cooked in a brown oniony sauce. I was pleasantly surprised by how spicy it was. Chilli addicts won’t be disappointed.
Sarah had Murg Tawa Palak. “Juliennes” of chicken cooked in onion and tomato sauce with spinach. Again this was special. Beautifully cooked melt-in-the-mouth chicken, delicately spiced with obviously fresh spinach and ginger.
As side dishes we had Kulchi naan, stuffed with our choice of vegetables and Aloo Gobi Adraki which was fantastic. Spiced cauliflower, stir fried with potatoes, onions, tomato and various spices.
Mr & Mrs Beastie
SCORE
MENU: grown-up version of curry house cuisine. Not a Tikka Masala in sight 9/10
HEAT: Despite being a sophisticated menu, there are a few brilliantly spicy dishes! 8/10
SETTING: A Victorian hotel in North Bromley. A short walk from the town centre 9/10
SERVICE: Ultra-attentive. If you run low on anything, they’re on it! 9/10
STAFF: Friendly & professional. There seemed to be dozens of them 9/10
DRINKS: Mongoose beer – but also an extensive list of fine wines and spirits 9/10
PRICE: Not cheap but it wouldn’t be. Probably somewhere for special occasions 6/10
ATMOS: Like a British gentlemen’s club in Victorian India. Has regular live music 9/10
OPEN HRS: Mon to Fri: 18:00 - 22:30 - Sat & Sun: 18:00 - 23:00 7/10
BONUS: Seemingly limitless refills on our coffee. Cheeky 12.5% service charge! 7/10
82%
Probably ineligible for the Chilli Diaries ‘Curry House of the Year’ award as it’s not really the sort of place you could wander in at 11pm after a skin-full. Never the less, the place is excellent and highly recommended.
Tamasha Hotel and Restaurant
131 Widmore Road
Bromley
BR1 3AX
020 8460 3240
020 8460 3240
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