REVIEW: The Viceroy, Hartley Wintney (From Basingstoke Gazette)

REVIEW: The Viceroy, Hartley Wintney

11:12am Tuesday 8th November 2011 in Taste and Tell By Simon Moss

The Viceroy

1A High Street, Hartley Wintney, RG27 8PE

01252 842960

theviceroyrestaurant.co.uk

LET'S be honest from the outset - everyone already has their own favourite curry house and I will not seek to dissuade you.

But there are certainly worse settings for an Indian restaurant than The Viceroy, situated slightly off the main drag in picturesque Hartley Wintney.

Taking our seats slightly after 7pm on a Friday night, my partner and I were shocked at just how quiet it was. Given the lack of customers, we were met by a group of eager waiters who fell over themselves to show us to our table in the centre of the room, separated by a central meet-and-greet desk.

Less than a minute after sitting down, we were provided with a full plate of papadums, which was welcome timing given the Friday afternoon starvation we had put ourselves through to make way for the coming treat. And it didn't disappoint.

We shared a starter of Aloo Chat Puri, potatoes in a lightly spiced sauce served on deep fried bread, priced at £3.95. I have no problem in crowning this the finest starter I have had in an Indian restaurant.

Main courses became something of a problem given the sheer wealth of choice. Thankfully, it wasn't a case of drowning in bland-sounding dishes but with having to pick just two between us.

My partner, I must mention, is a vegetarian and plumped for a Subzi Makhani at £6.50. It got rave reviews. The dish was presented immaculately with a good variety of vegetables which, though described as mild, did not lack flavour.

For myself, I like to think I try my best to diversify when I go to a new curry house and it was with this in mind that I opted for a Chicken Pasanda, a dish I have never tried before.

I cannot fault the offering, but it just wasn't what I was looking for. I can appreciate that it was smooth and creamy - everything the menu promised - but it was devoid of any kick. For this, I blame myself for a poor choice rather than lay blame at the feet of the chef. A garlic naan between the two of us was ample as well.

There was room for a run-of-the-mill ice cream dessert for a shade over £3, and by the time we left, the place was heaving. This came as no surprise, as we deemed the whole evening a bargain feast at £40.