Shimla Pinks - Manchester

T 0161 831 7099
A Dolefield, Crown Sq, Manchester, M3 3HA
E enquiries@shimlapinksmanchester.com
W www.shimlapinksmanchester.com

Visit arrnged by: Dave Marchbank-Smith
Review by: Chris Marchbank-Smith

The March(BANK) curry saw the newly named Curry Council visit Shimla Pinks at Crown Square, Manchester.

Expectation's were high after receiving good reviews from friends and family, although we had heard rumours about rogue items on the bill ?

This being a City Centre restaurant, Shimla Pinks does not have any customer parking but there are nearby car parks that all within walking distance (with prices ranging from £2.60 to £6 for around 2 hours).

The Curry Council enjoying their meal.

On arrival we were greeted by numerous staff and a very nice looking cocktail bar. The restaurant had a very modern sheek and sophisticated feel. We almost had a full compliment of members with the exception of young Dayo (Anderton) who again was missing from action (reason unknown).

Service was quick with drinks and pops arriving promptly. Although there was no draught lager available and bottles of Cobra arrived in 660ml bottles (priced at a reasonable £4.85 each).

The pops came accompanied with condiments to suit the average curry eater but for the Curry Council we had to ask for many refills !

Shimla's offer a great selection of poppadum dips (pictured above)

The menu is vast and interesting with some nice speciality dishes. We asked if the Tandoori Platter Starter was suitable to share as it is described as a huge combo of succulent meats and where advised it would be fine, the combo arrived with 1 king prawn and chicken on the bone along with other meats it was very difficult to share and at £8.95 it is not great value for money.

Taste was very good and again service was prompt. The main meals arrived in nice traditional curry bowls but without the authentic heaters you normally find in a traditional curry house. Pilau rice portions are small (priced at £2.25 each) and I would definitely recommend having a portion of rice per person. Naan bread was tasty especially the Chilli Cheese !!

Nan Bread (£2.95) and a main course, Chicken Nentara (priced at £8.45) are pictured above .

The service on the whole was good but we did find 10 empty bottles of Cobra that were left on the table all evening.

We would recommend a visit but make sure you take plenty of cash as it is the most expensive curry witnessed by the council at around £28 pp. This included pops, starter, main course and Cobra Beer. A mandatory 10% service charge was also added to the bill.

Value for money?? This is a tricky one, the food is of a high standard but this comes a cost. We have had equally good curries at much more reasonable cost! Shimla's do have a Early bird special menu that may be worth a try !!

The Council at the bar

Food 7/10
Service 8/10
Atmosphere 8/10
Value for money 6/10
Originality 7/10

Overall 7.2/10