Shimla Pinks

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Dolefield
Crown Square
Manchester
M3 3HA

Last night brought us (Eej, Gerry and myself) back to Shimla Pinks on the promise of an Executive Banquet advertised in ‘Shimla’s promotional literature (which we picked up on the last visit) as £12.95 on a Sunday or Monday night. However…

Their advertised prices are out of date. Shame on you Shimla. The Executive Banquet, we were informed was the usual £19.95.

Shocked to the core, we hit the all-you-can-eat Grand Buffet at £10.99 a head instead.

If you’ve read any of these reviews before, you’ll know that only one of a handful of India buffets comes anywhere close to being spanking gorgeous. We were set for disappointment.

On offer for starters were onion rings, chana dhall, vegatable pakora, kebab, and numerous others including a tasty cold potato salad-type dish. All were lovely, no problems here.

Mains, however, were a different story. Curries are rated at this place with chilli icons, more chilli icons = more chilli….or at least you’d think. Deciding to hit the 4 chilli, chilli and garlic chicken something-or-other, I was somewhat suprised to be met with the heat of a chicken chasseur. The lamb murgh-type dish, laden with spinach was uninspiring to say the least. Rice was poor and clumpy and the only nan on offer was "deep-fried". Rubbish.

To console myself, I headed back to the starters, and was later pursuaded to partake in the the "Sara-Lee" style lemon cheesecake. Nice, but hey, how can that go wrong?

Feeling like we had been cheated somewhat we left, wondering whether trading standards should be involved in ‘Shimla’s advertising scam.

Conclusion : Gutted.

Got a new mortgage, personal loan? Fancy eating at Shimla Pinks? Best to organise some sort of finance agreement before you go. Or get the company to pay like we did. This is a fantastic restaurant but they know how to charge. Keep this place for those special times like when a rich uncle dies and leaves you a wedge in the inheritance.

After half an hour of wingeing (no names Deano) because I couldn’t find Shimla Pinks, we found a horse-head shaped map and ended up walking down Wood Street which could come straight out of any horror/thriller movie ("Don’t go down Wood Street after dark"). What a sh!thole. Half expecting to be mugged at any moment we came upon the restaurant and were hit by fantastic smells as we rounded the corner.

Half the restaurant was deserted but the other half was packed and it’s a big place. The decor is lovely and airy and the tables very smartly set.

The waiters as a group were a miserable bunch and quite unnattentive. Upon asking for 8 pops we promptly got 4 with a small amount of pickles. Asking for 4 more was ignored. Asking again finally resulted in the correct number. There is no excuse for sloppy waiters (especially when they add 10% to the bill automatically at the end). Thankfully, the food made us forget the crappy waiters.

Starters consisted of 2 prawn and mango puris and 2 onion bhajis. I was disappointed when my puri turned up due its dry looking appearance but tasting was a different matter. Lovely, light and spicy with good, plump prawns. Could have done with a slightly more substantial salad. The real winners were Troy and Gerry who ordered the onion bhajis. Two huge bhajis on an equally huge plate. Light and crispy and both agreed about the best they have ever had.

For mains we went for a chicken dhansak, dhaba murgh, 2 kaalimurch aur methiwala murgh (hereto referred to as number 17), aloo saag, mushroom bhaji and a couple of rice along with roti, keema naan and stuffed kulcha (potato and cauliflower).

Where do I start. Deano said that the number 17 was the best curry he had ever had (and he’s eaten a few). High praise indeed. Troy agreed that it was fabulous but again his salt intolerance was kicking in. My dhansak was good as was Gerry’s dhaba but we both agreed that the mushroom bhaji was very good. Troy thought the aloo sag was excellent. All the dishes come in little pots that are basically optical illusions because the food just kept coming out of them. My kulcha was over salted which spoiled everything for me a little. Another "probably the best I’ve had" comes from Gerry for the Keema Nan. With that many superlatives we were happy and very full.

We had all mentally prepared ourselves for blowing the budget and consensus said just under the ton. A bit of a shock when the bill came to nearly £130. Those beers were £4.85 a pop. That is just ridiculous. We aren’t in London, we’re in Manchester (and not a pretty bit either). Drink wine, or even Champagne. It’s better value. 

We then waddled back to the hotel (some in more pain than others). This took a long time and its the first time I can remember being the pace setter.

So, when that rich relative gives up to become a ghost and leaves you a wedge, take a taxi and give it a go.

OR

Go on a Sunday or Monday evening when everything is much cheaper. And stay away from the beer.

Delivery is also available through City Servants, tadtu or Buzzing Butler. This would be an excellent option.