Lord Clive hadn’t eaten today. Tomorrow he goes to Thailand, what chance Proper Curry there? After our evening in The City, The Downsman (Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6DH England) was phoned to ask if they would serve us a few minutes after their normal close of play, 22.30. It was approaching 22.40 when we alighted from t’taxi, The Hector sprinted into the Pub which sells Magnificent Curry to announce our arrival, but not before the Hanging Basket was recorded for posterity. What sort of Pub does not have Hanging Baskets?
There was not time to have the Lamb Chops and a Curry which would be our norm at this Venue. Having had an Outstanding Lamb Methi at Lunchtime at the Agra Restaurant at Warren St., I felt compelled to have this again, for Comparison Purposes. Two Curry Houses in one day, why not, I had to keep my friend company.
Clive opted for Keema Mutter with a Keema Naan, that’s a lot of Keema. Added to this was a Side of Bombay Aloo. Hector’s Accompaniment was a straightforward Mushroom Rice. It looks as though Hector has entered a Rice Phase once again.
The Curry was quick to arrive, no doubt The Chef wanted to go home. I had not spelled out any Special Instructions at the time of ordering and so what came was way Wetter than I would have hoped for. Compared to Lunchtime this was an entirely different Curry. There was a Big Spice Hit, but the Dish was Under-Seasoned and there was no Methi Blast. The Mushroom Rice did absorb the extra Masala. The Mushrooms looked too Uniform, tinned? A pity. The whole Dish was not warm enough, Hector likes his food served Piping Hot. One has to admit that this was a Disappointment overall. There are high levels of expectation here, this was not up to the Usual Standard.
They were doing us a Favour.
Clive fared better with his Keema Mutter. Served as Dry as it should be Clive was impressed. The Keema in the Naan looked Donner-like, I do not believe this is how Mince should appear in Bread, individual grains please.
Clive’s verdict – Fine, no complaints at all. That was splendid.
There was a saving grace for Hector. Clive could not manage all of his Bombay Aloo. Hector was permitted a Sample. This was Very Tasty, the Seasoning was present, making all the difference. Potato with Curry, it’s hard to beat.
The Bill
£22.85. The Drinks were paid for separately.
The Aftermath
As soon as we had finished The Curry it was time to leave. The Downsman was closed.