Veranda Of Wickham

Right… Straight to the point with a brief intro.
Was stopping in at the Marriot a few miles down the road in Shedfield and I asked the receptionist if she could advise on any GOOD Indian restaurants near by. She suggested the Veranda in Wickam
So as I arrived, it appeared nice, looked good from outside and inside was ok, friendly staff etc, all the usual to expect when someone is charging you a buck.
So here to the nibbly bits, the stuff we crave for, GOOD Quality food with flavours pouring out that make you want to lick your lips a hundred times, before and after the meal.
So my orders,
Sheik Kebab — Tasteless all I could taste was Gee Yuck. Who uses gee in kebabs?
Chicken Jalfrazy — Probably the worse in flavour and taste iv ever had… once again, over whelming stench of gee, who uses gee in a chicken Jalfrazy
Mutter Paneer… Probably then worse «looking» iv ever seen, had to send it back as they put in cheddar instead of paneer… the chef probably didn’t realise I was an Indian customer… Once again, although I didn’t taste it the Gee was oozing with aroma, and not in a good way.
They did happily replace this with another dish potatoe curry (no charge). So got to give credit were its due.
Sagg chicken– the worse iv defiantly had, it was like eating chicken wrapped with soggy leaves iv just pulled from my garden, and yes you guessed it, Gee was on the agenda again.
The chef must get this stuff for free, it’s the only assumption I can make at this moment in time.
Anyway, cut a long story short the food as in taste was the worse iv been to. The reason why this place does well and has good reviews by locals or even fills seats is because people don’t know real Indian food and how it should taste, I mean writing was on the wall when I got served cheddar in my paneer dish. Any real Indian restaurant wouldn’t even dare to try this, as they know this is like trying to serve a English man a pork stake opposed to a beef stake, beef is beef. Get my point.
Don’t think il be visiting again any time soon.

A favourite of mine. The staff are unbelievably friendly and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to their menu.
Complimentary poppadums and a selection of chutneys on arrival starts the evening perfectly. A good drinks selection — the wine list is extensive.
The menu is, without doubt, truly mouthwatering. A selection of dishes I have tried are below
Starters
Aloo Tuk
Onion Bhaji
Vegetable Samosa
Scallops
Prawn Puri
Sheek Kebab
Chicken Tikka
Mains
Lamb Dhansak
Chicken Biryani
Chicken Tikka Bhuna
Chicken Tikka Masala
Assam Lamb
Gujeratie Chicken
Vegetable Samber
Chicken Tikka
Side dishes
Tarka Dal
Saag Aloo
Bombay Potatoes
Aloo Gobi
All beautifully cooked and the right amount of spice. A wide selection of rices and breads also available makes the dining experience one to be savoured.
Not the cheapest Indian in the south but by far the best. We usually spend £50 for 2 starters, 2 mains, 1 rice, 1 naan, 1 side dish, ²⁄₃ beers and ²⁄₃ soft drinks.
Definitely worth a visit — but I recommend booking as it is extremely popular.