London – The India Club – at the Hotel Strand Continental

Jim has been telling me about The India Club (Hotel Strand Continental, 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA) for years, today we had the Opperchancity to visit. Jim tells of how The India Club was used as the Staff Canteen for the workers at the Indian Embassy which is across the road. The venue is very much a case of prior knowledge required, one is never going to stumble across this place given the unassuming entrance and the climb up the less than salubrious stairs. The Hotel Strand Continental itself is not The Ritz, little more than a Hostel in fact.

Today was not a good day for a new Bank Card to commence given that Touch Technology is required to board a London Bus. Jim and I even had our – Tickets – inspected, Hector had been overcharged and could prove it, Doris gave me a number to phone, however, on the return journey from Aldwych to Olympia I was not charged, it’s a mystery.

We arrived, eventually, at 13.00. Jonathan was on the bus behind, Hector was authorised to order on his behalf. Jonathan loves Butter Chicken, not.

The India Club is Hector’s type of venue, Cheap’n’Cheerful, the Formica-topped tables from yesteryear. The Menu had the classic Indian Subdivisions – Veg and Non-Veg. Bhuna Lamb (£8.20) was the Hector Curry-Heute, for Jim also. He opted for Chapattis (2) (£2.00) whilst for Hector, a Paratha (£1.80). Keema Peas (7.00) is one of Jonathan’s Favourites, Chapattis for Jonathan too. A 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.00) completed the Order.

Two Fellow Diners sat at an adjacent table, a group of six arrived later, we were all seated at one end of the room. There was time to photograph the interior, I was impressed by the Simplicity.

Jonathan arrived in good time, the Food was presented. The Bhuna Lamb looked Modest in Quantity, though these metal dishes can be deceptive. It was clear that the Masala was Thick and certainly not to Excess, this was an Authentic Bhuna, far from what I had been served at Mr. India at Olympia last night.

The Breads were served on a single plate. I have read other Sources criticising the Bread at The India Club, suggestions of being bought in from a local supermarket. The Paratha was suitably Flaky, a Decent Size, it complemented the Bhuna well. The Chaps had no problems with their Chapattis, two each was also appropriate.

Bhuna Lamb

Jim managed to put a Cardamom Pod into his mouth as soon as he began, the Cardamom Flavour was pronounced, Tomato also came through strongly as I made progress. There was enough Medium cut Lamb in the serving, this had been well cooked, very Soft and Tender. The Spice Level was not demanding, perhaps a little bit more Seasoning, but the Tomato Flavour did come through in the end, so perhaps the Seasoning was spot on. My only criticism of the Bhuna Lamb was the Temperature. The metal dish was hotter than the contents, the Bhuna Lamb approached Tepid in parts, The Hector desires his Food to be served Hot.

Jim has been here often so his appreciation of the Curry is manifested by the number of visits. His comments today focused on the Ambience:

We’ll most certainly come back, again and again.

Keema Mutter

The Keema Mutter had no Masala as such and was not swimming in Oil, this should be my choice next visit. Jonathan was doing his Dr. Stan impersonation making suitable noises.

Most enjoyable. 3 Mmms on the Dr. Stan rating.

The Bill

£32.20. Three had just dined in London.

The Aftermath

As ever when visiting a new venue, the Calling Card was given and a brief run through the Curry-Heute Website outlined. The Card was accepted with grace. Moments later Chef appeared at the entrance to the kitchen, Calling Card in hand. I went over and introduced myself, he was keen to know how we had enjoyed our Meal. My Paparazzo did the honours.