The Spice Lounge

By Emma Kreft

The food, service, atmosphere and value for money at The Spice Lounge are hard to beat.

My partner and I visited on a damp and windy Saturday evening, having booked after seeing the glowing reviews and fancying a change from our usual Indian eateries in Newton-le-Willows. The fact that we had turned up a few minutes early was not a problem, even perhaps welcomed.

The menu caters for a wide range of tastes from sea food to lamb and the traditional hyderabadi biryani dishes for all of you big curry fans out there!

As we were both somewhat chilled by the weather, we opted to drink cobra beer which was subtly yet perfectly spiced, followed by ice cold mineral water throughout the meal.

To start, we shared a plate of anari jhinga (king prawns) and talichire squid (mild battered fried squid); both perfectly cooked and tasting quite sublime, each served with a salad garnish, a chilli and half a lime. Delicious plain papadams served with mango chutney, homemade mint sauce and mixed pickle accompanied each course.

For our main courses, we decided to experiment and be different. I had murgh makhani (butter chicken) this time accompanied by a butter nan bread, lemon rice (plain rice cooked with turmeric, a hint of chilli, mustard seeds, cashew nuts, curry leaves and lemon sauce) and jeera rice. Delicious! My partner on the other hand went straight for the fish. He had sea bass patrani - this traditional fish dish was marinated and flavoured with ground mustard, yoghurt and an aromatic blend of spices. Delightful.

The sublime flavour of the main ingredients, plus the subtleties of the spices used, made these truly dishes to savour

Service was friendly and very, very attentive, yet discreet, a surprising feat as the restaurant was jam packed that windy evening. Pickles, water and any other requirements were replenished quickly and without fuss or intrusion.

The restaurant is bright, spacious with a contemporary feel. There is a large upstairs dining area, a smaller one downstairs, along with low tables and leather floor cushions. From the menu and layout, a wide audience is catered for, from single diners and couples through to larger groups including families.

We will definitely return the next time we are in the vicinity of the Albert Dock and fancy a decent curry.

The Spice Lounge, 6 Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AE.

For more information please visit: www.spicelounge.uk.com