London – Agra Restaurant – Can Agra live up to Expectations?

Hector is on his travels again, the penultimate Continental Trip of 2015, the Reader will be kept in suspense as to where the Hector will pop up next. On the train in from Crawley, Hector had time to read reviews of many Curry Houses in the City of London and environs. With over a thousand to choose from not an easy task. Some must be poor, some must be outstanding, reading other people’s rants does tend to dismiss a venue very quickly. There was one venue within the area I was prepared to consider that stood out. Agra Restaurant (137 Whitfield Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 5EL, England) is apparently the fourth oldest Curry House in London, located behind Warren St. Tube Station, it is in the area of London where Hector has eaten most of his London Curry over the years, just down from Euston. London Curry does not feature extensively in this Blog, the Crawley Distraction has been too strong, however Hector needed Lunch before meeting Lord Clive for his late Lunch Break.
Arriving minutes after Noon, Hector was the first diner of the day. Mein Host asked if I wished to face out or face the kitchen, I chose to face the action inside.

The Menu was not overlong, the Main Dishes were well covered. Lamb Methi was the standout, there was a distinct lack of Hector’s Favourite Herb in the Prague Curry served up last week. The Bhuna said it was a drier Masala, so I asked for the Methi to be served as Dry, or Drier than a Bhuna. This was not a problem. Just in case I asked for Green Peppers to be withheld, this was acknowledged and noted. No clue was given as to whether – The Offending Ballast – would have appeared. Bread should accompany a Dry Curry, however Hector was in the mood for Rice. The Special Vegetable Rice was ordered, at over £4.00 a Portion this had better be good.
As ever, the replacement Trusty Samsung kept Hector amused during the wait. Looking around, this was not the biggest of venues. Seating around thirty max one would imagine booking would be necessary at peak times.

The presentation of a plate announced the arrival of the Curry. First impressions were good, I had made it clear I did not wish Shorba , this was far from Soup. The Rice portion was easily enough for two to share. London Portions? This was  far removed from what Hector has been served up since the 1980s. Strangely, a single Poppadom arrived once the Curry and Rice had been set down, it was never touched, too late and no Dips.
The first taste caused a – Wow, Methi! – this was a winner. The delicious Green Herb tasted slightly burnt, a nod towards – The Bradford Curry Taste. Yes folks, the Lamb Methi was this good! The Spice Level was not demanding, the seasoning was fine, the was a Fully Flavoursome Dish.
The Lamb was amazingly Tender, and counted into double figures, just how ogod was this for London? Then there was the Rice. With Peas, Eggs and small pieces of Onion stirred though this was substantial. Despite the fact that Hector should have had Bread with this Curry, today this Rice was the perfect accompaniment.
Mein Host came over to ask the Customary Question.
How is it?
It’s perfect, exactly what I asked for.
We try our best.
Indeed, this was an impressive Curry.

Curryspondent – Methi Freak – remarked the other day that he is pleased at how willing I am to keep trying New Venues.  One always hopes a New Gem will be uncovered.  Agra certainly comes into this category.  I shall definitely return here.  What about the other nine hundred and ninety nine London Curry venues?  It will take a while…

The Bill
£15.00, exactly. I was intrigued by the roundness of the tally. The Sparkling Water was £1.50, the Rice £4.75, the Lamb Methi £8.75. For London, these are Good Prices, and remember the portion size impressed too.

The Aftermath
A friend of Mein Host entered the premises wearing the garb one might see in Bradford. Salaam – was his greeting. Hector concludes this was a Punjabi Restaurant.
Four very Pukkah (Retired!) Diners joined the fray. Lady Doris was clearly a regular. She guided her Company through the Menu. Chicken Tikka? Oh well….
Now to walk to Farringdon to meet Olive.