The Bermondsey Beer Trail is well over the Mile that some had suggested. A Taxi took Lord Clive, Craig, Yvonne and Hector to The Downsman (Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6DH). Craig and Yvonne were making their first visit, it was also well past Craig’s bedtime.
Entering the premises, the place was stowed. Approaching the Bar Hector was recognised by Mein Host. Tables for Four had been reserved for those wishing – To Dine. We were soon studying The Menu.
Lamb Chops for Hector
I couldn’t possibly be here and not have the Tandoori Lamb Chops. Normally I have to share some of the Portion of Six, not tonight. I informed Clive that we were having a Portion Each. Yvonne and Craig would share One Portion. I was set to go up to the Bar to order when a familiar Young Waiter produced a pad, we would be served at the table. This also means one is not paying in advance. The system is evolving.
Paying at The Bar did have an advantage, the order for The Curry could be placed when it suited the Customer, plenty of time to let the Indulgence of The Starters digest. The Waiter noted my request for at least a Twenty Minute gap between Chops and Mains.
Lamb Handi is the only dish served with Lamb on-the-bone. I had this last time, there would be a repeat order, Classic Hector Curry. Extra Methi was asked for, though at The Downsman the Chef knows how to make his Masala Methi-rich.
Craig who shares Hector’s love of Methi ordered the Keema Mutter/Methi, whilst Yvonne opted for the Chicken Chat Masala. This left Clive who has been working his way through The Menu since we first came here four years ago.
What was the dish Marg had last time?
This is where Curry-Heute comes into its own – Lamb Parsi Dansak. Clive loves his Lentils, I’m surprised he had not had this previously. Clive has been seen to have no other Accompaniment in the last year than Aloo Paratha, Two ordered. Les Autres went for a Naan and some Rice.
Bring on The Lamb Chops
Mountains of Chops were brought to the table. The Waiter was keen to appear on Curry-Heute, again. The Dips were provided too, Hector was engrossed, it is possible they remained untouched.
By the time the Chops were counted out and the Onions scraped off the Platter there was more than enough, no need for other Flavours.
The Lamb Chops are that Magnificent. Spicy, Succulent, almost OTT. If Craig can eat these, he can eat a Curry at any strength. There are two ways to eat Lamb Chops – as Nature Intended, or the Posh Edinburgh Public School way.
Both Craig and Yvonne were using their knife and fork. Que? In the end, Yvonne gave up, Her Weegieness disproved a long held myth – Yvonne would do that…
Eighteen Chops. Each one Savoured then Consumed, eagerly. Time for the Twenty Minute Gap.
More of that Chemical which passes for Cider.
Here we go…
How hot can Paratha be? The Bread was served in Quarters, I prefer it whole. Still, by the second piece the fingers were still being burned. The Paratha was so thick with Potato it was probably a meal in itself. No way could four pieces be consumed. Perhaps sharing a Paratha and ordering a Vegetable Side could be a consideration.
How good can Curry be? The Masala had its Methi Pedigree clearly stamped on it. Such Intensity of Flavours, the Seasoning was so Perfect I realised later I had made no notes on this. This Dish arrived Piping Hot and retained its heat in the Handi. No need to decant, the advantage of a Bread accompaniment. Killer Spice – was noted, this Curry had a Serious Kick. The Lamb needed a bit of chewing, better this than the near-Pulp served by Hector last weekend. The Sucky-Bones were giving themselves up. Everyone knows that Lamb on-the-bone gives Flavours a New Dimension. I have had some very good Curry Experiences in recent weeks, it is some time since the – Wow – has been reported. This Lamb Handi had the – Wow.
Meanwhile elsewhere, Craig was swearing at The Hector. He was thoroughly enjoying his Methi-Melange but he too was finding the Spice Level to be nearing Ten. If Craig survived the Lamb Chops, he will be fine with this.
Yvonne wasn’t saying much. Clive made short work of his Lamb Parsi Dansak. Hector was struggling.
There was a Large Piece of Lamb with a Sucky-Bone at its Core. No way was this last piece going to be eaten. Too little for a Doggy-Bag, Hector had to accept the ignominy of Defeat!
The Bill
£35.90 For Lord Clive and Hector only. Refreshments were separate.
The Aftermath
A staff member suggested I try to take a photo of everyone, they were too busy to abandon their current tasks and so some familiar faces were snapped again. Two of the Waiters are appearing in Curry-Heute with a regularity synchronous to my visits. I suppose if I’m not there then…