Woburn Fort-
Summary
Assembling in the Swan opposite the Fort, we could tell it was gonna be one of those nights...several members appeared to be on some kind alcoholic sabbatical, while the remaining group seemed keen to get as much down em’ in the allotted time. Unusually it was Mr Scott who declared sup up time and we all duly marched across the road to the somewhat diminutive house of curry. Our table was ready and waiting and there was a sense of expectation coming from the already attentive staff. An early error of laying the tables with of all things, wine glasses, was quickly recovered by a most well turned out waiter with a very helpful demeanour. A drinks order was quickly taken and soon after the popadoms and sundries appeared in good time. The onion riata was not the usual fair and had a sweetness that ended in a rather nice after burn. It was also pleasing to see that the Cobra’s that had been ordered where full size and cold enough to stay that way until fully consumed (best test l always feel). Everyone seems in good banter while ordering the food, but may l take this personal opportunity to make a plea for larger typeface on the menu’s, as a few of us where again sharing reading glasses and looking like well past it old gits in doing so. . .
Sadly and l am afraid to say we should have known better, it was along time before we saw any real food. Richard did warn us that this place had a ‘rep’ for this kind of thing and this night they well and truly lived up to it as after arriving at 8.35 pm we did not see the first starter dish until 9.20pm. I also witnessed another table arriving after our group and being served a main course before our starters. Now this is a small restaurant granted but this can lead to some very un curry like conversations such as why don’t we start a MKCC Golf championship or such nonsense, l even agreed to go along, such was the wait for food !
Starters:
The starters all got mixed reviews with the onion baji’s taking the most flak as being very doughy and donut like in consistency. Several comments regarding over the top salt content, and one dish looked like a Little Chef all day breakfast... However the ‘Italian’ waiter managed to smile through all the noise with grace.
Main Course:
First main dishes arrived at 9.40pm and following some early tastings and the poor MK Dons score line a sense of gloom began to descend. Portion control was too big, the earlier issue of heavy on salt came to the fore on many dishes and the most specialist dish ordered, the chicken Tikka ‘Parithian’ was only seen as average, with too much tomato and salt. One member felt compelled to register that the lamb Tikka Dansak was ‘disgusting’. However in general much of the food was consumed and the consensus was very average, far too salty, and the ‘hotness levels’ were wrong. There was one shining light however that being my very own Chicken Jalfrazi. This dish had excellent flavour and showed real finesse in mixing that with the heat of the dish. Our resident ‘balti’ expert Andy could not praise this dish highly enough and it was most certainly up there with best l had ever tasted. Nan’s and side dishes were all acceptable.
Wrap Up:
The table was being cleared at around 10.30 bang on par following a slow start. They again made a schoolboy error in attempting to offer up the desert menu (just like the wine glasses....futile), forcing one member to comment...’wang it up your s******’.Sensing the disappointment the senior gaffer offered some Harry Redknapp style half time oranges, and when this did not placate the membership, he followed this up with a free ‘Woburn Fort pen’ and a glass of imitation Bailey’s, both at least 6 year old. It was never going to be enough and a few mentioned that the only way this could possibly turn into a success was if they where to donate one of the superb silk jackets that the attentive waiting team had been wearing. Being on watch this night l felt obliged to start the negotiation and to the surprise of all, l later emerged into the chilly Woburn night adorned with such a garment. So all in all they tried very hard, particularly post match, but l fear it will be along time before this Curry Club returns to the old Fort in Woburn.
Common Curry -
Web site -
Other Comments
Positive:
- Rashmee kebab well presented, a good plate full
- Chicken Tikka Pakora had light batter and flavours
- Chicken shaslic very tasty
- Mushroom rice had a good flavour but Keema rice only average
- Good Biryani, plenty of rice and veg
- Lamb Methi, tender and good strength
- Service was very attentive and there was easily enough staff
Negative:
- Prawn puree starter too salty, overpowered any other flavour
- Large selection on the vegatable starter but had no flavour
- Chicken Tikka may have been undercooked, little flavour to it.
- Onion bhaji did not taste as an onion bhaji should (see doughnut comment in review)
- Chicken Chilli Masala was just hot and not subtle
- Lamb & pumpkin (cubes), asked for Madras strength but didn't really make it
- Lamb Tikka Dhansak very poor
- Bhindi Bhaji far too salty
- Lamb Rogan too salty and lacked flavour
- The restaurant is very small, especially with 12 on a row of tables
- The slowness in getting a large order out of the kitchen was a problem
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