Prev Review

The Grange - October 2008

Summary

A very new restaurant this one, located on Grange Farm, an area still being developed in MK. Because of this, there is no pub to walk from, hence we chose the Nut & Squirrel in Westcroft, which also looks new, as it’s not long been re-furbished. A lively place, local to many of us, whose bar staff were very efficient considering it was quite busy.

A ‘two block’ drive to The Grange, guided by the purple neon light over the door. You never quite know what to expect from a new curry restaurant on a new estate, as opposed to those, more obvious locations, along a high street, as they can sometimes target an audience which doesn’t match that of the club. First impressions on entering, however, were very good, as there seemed a good atmosphere and it is tastefully decorated without going for one of those, sometimes, annoying themes.

On receiving the menus, ones which didn’t clearly indicate the strength of the dishes, it soon became obvious that the lighting, combined with the finish on the menus, made it a little difficult to read them easily. OK if you’re on a romantic date maybe.

We had heard that it may be a little expensive, and although some dishes are a little pricey, the common curry shows that it is one of the best value restaurants visited so far this year. This is also bourne out by our VFM column in the reviews table.

The food - quite simply, some of the best that we have had - see positive comments below.

The service - quite simply, some of the worst. This included having to ask for drinks (normally un-heard of), waiting nearly an hour for starters, waiting one hour forty minutes for the main courses and served with very few smiles. When a waiter was asked how long it would be, the reply was the standard five minutes when he clearly had no idea when it would arrive and didn’t go to find out. It is always particularly annoying when tables that entered the restaurant after you, are served before you. We were a table of ten, but this shouldn’t have been such an issue for them and they let themselves down badly.

In summary, if you are a small party, then you can get a very good meal at a pretty good price at The Grange.

Web site - www.thegrangemk.co.uk

 

Other Comments

Positive:

• Lime Pickle excellent
• Good Onion bahji
• Fantastic Lamb Jalfrezi
• Chilli Tikka Lamb was tasty and hotter than expected
• Good selection of crispy poppadums
• Some of the best keema nan tasted
• Chilli Chicked was fiery
• Good fish starter, but a little over priced

Negative:

• Menu does not indicate clearly the strength of the dishes
• No real favour in the prawn puree
• Garlic King Prawn starter was neither king nor garlic
• Poor lighting and music
• Limited 'classics'
• Reshni kebab was cold and average
• Bhindi bahji was average

 

Next Review