Hector had worked up an appetite. A walk in the South Downs with Marg, Clive, Maggie and Eight Others saw us return to Crawley around 20.00, only The Faithful felt the need for Curry-Heute. There is only one venue when one is on such a short visit – The Downsman (Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6DH. Yes, it is only two weeks since Clive and Hector last dined here together. Crawley has its attractions, The Downsman is certainly one of them.
Two staff acknowledged me as I entered, some familiar staff members were conspicuous by their absence this evening. The place was stowed, what looked like a large party was nearing its conclusion in the main dining area. We were taken to a high table beside the pool table on the far side, not ideal, but we were in.
The Young Lady behind the bar asked to see her photo on Curry-Heute, this suggests she is not a regular visitor to this Website as her Two Colleagues are. It was agreed that we would order at the bar, table service had been shelved, it was that busy.
There had to be Lamb Chops, Two Portions. Hector has learned his lesson and will now share a Portion of Six Chops. Maggie may not, Crispy Bhindi was added to the Starters on her behalf.
Lamb Rara has been cropping up all over the place in recent times, Hector would have to sample this. Lamb served in a Masala with Lamb Mince. Slowly, very slowly, I might get round the Downsman Menu, well the Lamb sections. Clive took a step back in time and selected the Chicken Dansak. Maggie went for her usual – Chicken Saagwala. Marg maintained the highest of standards and chose Keema Mutter. There is a Keema Methi Variant on the Menu, however, Marg stuck to her guns.
Maggie and Hector required Rice, Mushroom Rice. Marg’s single Chapatti would become a Roti and once more Clive returned to the familiar – Keema Naan.
The Bill
£58.20. As ever, this was for the Food only, Drinks were purchased separately.
The Starters
The Lamb Chops were presented on a single platter, Sizzling as ever, Superb.
Maggie’s Crispy Bhindi became a distraction briefly. The Okra had been sliced longways and was dipped in a Spicy Coating. How the Chef managed to keep the Okra this Dry was impressive. 
The Dish looked like Fish Bait as served in Greece. The Palate expected a Salty Blast, this was quite a subtle dish. We all sampled the Crispy Bhindi and were impressed. Meanwhile the Lamb Chops required our attention.
Lamb Chops have to be Hot, Succulent and Spicy, these hit the mark. Marg was rounding up the Sliced Onions which were still cooking on the Platter. She admitted later that she had over-indulged on these. 
Lamb Chops, mmmm. Maggie forced down half a Lamb Chop too.
When The Waiter came to clear up the debris, I pointed to one of the Bowls which housed the Dips.
Can I have some Dry Methi served in one of these please?
It took a couple of attempts to convince him that this simple request was indeed what I wanted. Apparently not a problem.
The Curry
We had been asked at the counter if we wanted all the food to come at once. Perhaps because they were being run off their feet, the gap between Mains and Starters was most acceptable. The Chops had been given time to digest.
Marg enjoyed her Keema Mutter – Very good, it’s a long time since I had it. A wee kick, a pleasant change.
Clive is rarely disappointed by a Dansak, tonight was no exception. Stacks of meat, creamier than it needed to be.
Of all the Dishes on the table, Maggie’s Chicken Saagwala looked the most enticing. A Lamb version must be investigated in the future. Whilst she enjoyed her Curry, her frustration became more visible. Chaps at the adjacent table were backing into her and causing discomfort. She was not amused. We were here – To Dine!
Hector started happy, however this did not last. The Lamb Rara looked to be part of the Hector Curry Script, it was served Tepid. The Seasoning was not there, there was no sense of Spice.
The word – Bland – has to be used. Hector does not slate Curry as a rule, this Dish was a Major Disappointment. The Extra Methi sprinkled on top, could not rescue the Rara either. Warm food will cool, cool food can never regain the intensity of Flavour. Sorry, but this Curry did not impress.
Marg had some Keema Mutter left over. Despite it being some five to ten minutes since she stopped eating, her Mince was still warmer than my Lamb Rara had been initially served. Should I have sent it back? I do not recall in the epoch of Curry-Heute doing so, unless someone had brought me Chicken.
Even the best venues can have an off day, or are they simply victims of their own success?