The Pythagorean Cup was the topic of conversation at one point during our visit to The Bedford Arms. Somehow the topic changed to Curry. Carlos, Mein Host, had a Takeaway Menu for the nearby New Bombay (53b Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 2SR). On Sunday evenings there is a mass delivery of Curry to the Bedford Arms for those wishing to partake in the Curry Evening. Spotted on the Takeaway Menu was Kheema Bhuna – Lamb Mince cooked with a choice of Vegetable. This suggested Flexibility.
We passed en route to our next Ale House, there would surely be Curry at some point later.
In the end Dr. Stan and Jonathan decided it was too late for Curry and so it was the ever reliable Lord Clive of Crawley who accompanied Hector to sample the wares of Bradford’s Oldest Indian Restaurant. Established in 1960, one would assume that these premises have been through a few changes. The design is quite contemporary, though Tablecloths remain. We were shown to a Table for Three which was reduced to Two settings. Tables for Three?
We were offered Poppadoms, Twice. If they wished us to have Poppadoms they should have supplied them. I could not find the Kheema Bhuna as described on the Takeaway Menu which I was able to show. The Korai was the next possibility, then I decided to go for it. I checked with our Waiter who was happy to note the description of the required Hector Curry – Tender Lamb, Minimal Masala, Spicy, and No Capsicum! Chapattis were £1.50 each and so Vegetable Rice at £3.00 felt the better value.
Clive resorted to his standby – Chicken Dhansak and Keema Naan. Far too sweet for the Hector Palate, but much loved by Clive.
Jonathan arrived. He was shown to the adjacent table for Three. He was with us, but not. There was little point in holding back our order to accommodate the late arrival. Jonathan had dismissed the Curry option but was hungry, such is the Joy of Indian Food, the Mixed Tandoori was his choice. This always looks Wonderful, if One is out – To Dine, then such Distractions may be considered, but normally people cannot eat this and a Curry to follow.
Lamb Korai– said the Waiter who pushed the Trolley of Food towards us. That had to be Hector’s.
The Chicken Dhansak stood out with the Soupy Masala and Bright Colour.
This is Bloody Excellent – was Clive’s opening remark. Very, very Good! This was reduced to a more restrained – Quite Good – on completion of the meal. Clive thoroughly enjoyed his Chicken Dhansak.
The Lamb Korai – Variant – looked the part. The Masala was Thick and Minimal. I counted Five Very Large Pieces of Lamb which had to be halved and some then again. A knife was not required, so this was quality Meat. There little Kick initially, then I swallowed of the numerous Dark Red Chillies, oh yes. To eat them all or leave some was a choice I had to make. Dark Red Chillies are not to be taken Lightly.
Rice was definitely the better option for Hector this evening. Mushrooms, Broccoli, Mini Corn Cobs, Potatoes, and Peas were buried in a suitably Large Portion of Rice. No Skimping here. More seasoning and the usual Extra Methi and this would have been off the scale. As it was, I can only praise the Waiter for his patience in taking the order, and the Chef for preparing to order. A Very 
Good Curry (& Vegetable Rice).
As the Table was cleared I pointed to the Plates – We didn’t like it!
The Bill
£23.75. £2.20 of this was for one Glass of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was well received. The Curry-Heute Website was shown. Hoot? Said the Main Chap.
No, Hoy-teh.
Why?
Jonathan was by now behind me – It’s a long story and all his fault – I said pointing to Jonathan. The Bier-Today / Curry-Heute switch was explained. I’m sure it made their day, Today.
There was a call for a Staff Photo, it’s amazing how many Chaps are so willing to pose for such moments, and a sign of Appreciation in both directions.
The New Bombay is Hector’s #6 Bedford Curry House visited to date. So far I have not returned to any previously visited Venues, that may change tomorrow for Breakfast. However, I would certainly consider a return to the New Bombay.