A Grand Evening at The Downsman – Down in Crawley

Twenty Two Hours later than planned and with Jim replacing Marg and Maggie, Clive took Hector as promised to The Downsman (Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6DH). What was once a pub that Our Type would never frequent is very firmly on the Curry Map. The place was mobbed. A High Table was invaded, the Chap sitting opposite was Tired and did not last long. After a long day in Lewes, Sparkling Water was off the Menu, the Ales did not attract and so the Cold, Yellow, Fizzy, Alcoholic Apple Juice was the distraction whilst we watched the end of the European Cup Final and waited for the Food. Bale must now be Immortal.

Jim went up to the Bar to order Lamb Chops. One pays in advance, he reported about £3.00.

Note the Renee Mackintosh Font on The Menu, on this of all days when the Glasgow School of Art is ablaze…

The Plan was to order these early and avoid the Curry and Starter coming together, which has happened I am informed. The Menu was studied, I was having Lamb Methi regardless but managed to convince Jim and Clive of the need to share a Vegetable Curry. They were not sold on Dal Makhani and so Vegetable Kofta Curry would provide The Interesting Vegetable. Clive’s choice was Lamb Gosht. (Lamb Lamb?) Three Aloo Parathas were The Accompaniments.

And so to Hector went to The Bar to order.

The Bill

£22.80, plus the £3.00-ish which Jim had paid previously. Four Curry Portions and Bread, Great Value! Em, on looking back I think we were undercharged, sorry. I wasn’t paying attention, too busy chatting and taking a Photo.

The Calling Card was given at this time. The Chap who served assured me that no Capsicum would be harmed in the preparation of any of their Curry Dishes. Perfect.

Jim, who is a Regular Visitor to Curry-Heute, but not a Curryspondent, yet, is possibly also a Curry Fanatic. Indeed, he and Debs ate at this very place yesterday. Jim has even taken to posting Photos of his Curry on a certain Social Medium as he dines, poor Chap.

A night in Jim’s company tends towards The Mutual Admiration Society. Not only do we love our Curry, his taste in Musik ain’t too shabby either. Can, Tago Mago, but that’s easy. Ege Bamyasi, which track? The First Ten Minutes – Pinch.

The Waiter brought a Platter of Lamb Chops, One Portion? I thought Jim had ordered us One Each! Seven Lamb Chops between Three. They disappeared. Stunning Chops, Seven would have been even Better. Next time.

The Football was reaching a conclusion when the Curry arrived. The Waiter beamed as he delivered the Food, he knows how good it is.

The Methi Masala is Thick, Creamy, and just Tastes Marvellous. A Far cry from my Punjabi-style Dishes served in Glasgow, Bradford et al. This had the Appearance of Mainstream, but with the amount of Flavour packed into this Curry it is Outstanding. The Seasoning was exactly how the Hector Palate desires it to be. Karah! The Tender Lamb was Perfect, I counted Sixteen Pieces of Lamb. Yes, Sixteen.

The Aloo Paratha was Great, well stuffed. A Pity it was already Quartered, I enjoy tearing off the strips.  The Interesting Vegetable added a Different Dimension. Vegetable Kofta lacked the Firmness of Meat. Jim described it as – having a Kick like a Mule! Of the Methi, Jim reckoned this was as good as one can get. Apparently it was not this good on his last visit.

Clive said of his Curry – it does what it said on The Menu.  He has had this Dish a few times…

The Aftermath

As we ended the Ritual, I asked the Waitress who was clearing up if it was possible to greet The Chef. Again The Calling Card was used as an introduction.

Mein Host came over his Card was issued. He remembered me taking Photos here a couple of years ago. Mr. Dhirubhai Patel even reads Curry-Heute regularly. Not only did The Chef, Dhiru appear, the entire Kitchen Crew were presented. More Photos, and an extended conversation.

No Pastes are used in the Downsman. They believe in giving the Customer as Authentic an Experience as possible. The Chef advised me to try the Lamb Handi on-the-bone next time. That’ll be June then.

I mentioned the term – Karah – which nobody seems to know except PJ.  Yes, Kara Namak – was the reply.  Intriguing.

Great Curry, a Great Reception, Mutual Admiration, and next time I’ll make sure the Addition is correct.