The oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, Veeraswamy’s has been in the same location in the Nash Arch, Regent Street, since 1926. It has recently been refurbished and is far more open-plan than I remember from my last visit back in the ’60s. There is still a doorman, but he no longer the enormous turbaned Sikh.
We had joined up with Les & Dot Jones for an evening out on the town and as we are all Indian food fanatics had booked a table for 4 at this famous hostlery.
Having passed coats, etc. on to the concierge, we took the lift to the first floor restaurant. Our table had been booked months ago and even then we could only get a 7.15 time slot.
The service is smooth and unobtrusive. We ordered the “non vegetarian” platter all round for starters. This consisted of a spiced lamb kebab, a beef “burger”, and chicken accompanied by a dip. Exceptionally tasty all round.
We picked a variety of main courses, sea-bass wrapped in banana leaves, a chicken chatpatta, paneer in a fruity sauce and for me a duck Vindaloo. It would be hard to pick a favourite as they were all so different. The duck vindaloo was outstanding and not, as one might have expected, fiery. The sea-bass was firm and the complimentary spice brought out the favour perfectly. Too often fish curries are mushy and the fish is lost in the sauce. It was all accompanied by a bowl of simple rice and a basket of breads.
For wine three of us had an Italian Bardolinowhilst Dot tried their ginger cooler, which she assured us was delicious, and gingery!
It is not the cheapest place to eat in town but the quality of the food and the service certainly compensates for this. The cheapest bottle of wine is £24.00 The overall bill, including service which is automatically added at 12.5%, for the two courses, a bottle of wine and the cooler was a little under £220. I have paid more for a less satisfying evening.
If you are an Indian cuisine fan it is a must.
