The August curry took place at The Bay leaf Lounge in Bollington, Macclesfield.
6 members of the Council were in attendance with Rat being AWOL with a family related excuse, but various members of the Council raised the issue of distance x mileage x petrol prices x depreciation of vehicle, was probably the real reason. Nevertheless, 6 attendees was considered a good turnout, especially as the location was a little bit further a field than the normal South Manchester area. However, the curry organiser (Beany) had given us all his personal assurance that it was worth the trip.
The Council all arrived in the car park at the rear of the restaurant at a similar time, with the three Council vehicles pretty much taking up the last of the adequate parking facilities. It was plainly obvious to the members that the Bay leaf lounge was clearly a converted public house (Formally the Waggon & Horses).
On entering the premises, you could see that it had been tastefully done with money well spent on bringing the interior into the 21st century, with a contemporary style. We were all shown to a nice waiting area whilst our table was prepared, with a friendly waiter soon offering us refreshments from a wide range of the usual draught lagers (Fosters, Carling etc). It was a shame there were no pints of Indian lagers available, with only the option of bottled varieties presented. Most of the Council opted for the large, “nice and cold” Cobra bottles, which went down a treat.
Whilst the first sips were drunk and the Council was discussing Woody’s supposed weight loss (down to 12st 6lbs!) and Marf‘s lack of fantasy football payment, our attentive waiter was soon informing the Council of the excellent midweek deal to be had - namely, any Starter, any Main dish (except the House specials), plus choice of any rice/chips/side orders - all for £7.95. We were all suitably impressed and decided to plump for this rare value for money opportunity. Our orders were taken and the Council members never being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, all opted for the Banquet starters, consisting of Shish Kebab / Onion Bhaji / Chicken Tikka (£8.95 each if ordered off the menu!).
When the issue of ordering the main courses came about, it was clear that the Council had been scarred since their daring (yet disappointing) attempts to try something different at the preceding month’s curry (Eastzeast) and thereby, the usual requests for Madras, Balti, Massala’s were the order of the day.
We were shown to our seats a little later than we would have liked, having waited for approximately 15 minutes. However, it was noted that for a midweek night, the restaurant was decidedly busy. The Council were seated in a little area of our own which had it’s pro’s & con’s and whilst we got ourselves comfy it was noted by members that the background music was like being in an R&B nightclub and consequently, was soon being frowned upon.
Thereafter, the mood was soon lifted with some lovely warm fresh pops being delivered to the table, with an excellent variety of dips (reasonable amount of red onions), with Jord & Woody paying special attention to the ‘spot-on’ chilli number. Starters soon followed and they were of a good standard. However, certain members of the CurryCouncil did note that the Shish Kebabs could have been warmer and portion sizes slightly larger.
Whilst the first sips were drunk and the Council was discussing Woody’s supposed weight loss (down to 12st 6lbs!) and Marf‘s lack of fantasy football payment, our attentive waiter was soon informing the Council of the excellent midweek deal to be had - namely, any Starter, any Main dish (except the House specials), plus choice of any rice/chips/side orders - all for £7.95. We were all suitably impressed and decided to plump for this rare value for money opportunity. Our orders were taken and the Council members never being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, all opted for the Banquet starters, consisting of Shish Kebab / Onion Bhaji / Chicken Tikka (£8.95 each if ordered off the menu!).
When the issue of ordering the main courses came about, it was clear that the Council had been scarred since their daring (yet disappointing) attempts to try something different at the preceding month’s curry (Eastzeast) and thereby, the usual requests for Madras, Balti, Massala’s were the order of the day.
We were shown to our seats a little later than we would have liked, having waited for approximately 15 minutes. However, it was noted that for a midweek night, the restaurant was decidedly busy. The Council were seated in a little area of our own which had it’s pro’s & con’s and whilst we got ourselves comfy it was noted by members that the background music was like being in an R&B nightclub and consequently, was soon being frowned upon.
Thereafter, the mood was soon lifted with some lovely warm fresh pops being delivered to the table, with an excellent variety of dips (reasonable amount of red onions), with Jord & Woody paying special attention to the ‘spot-on’ chilli number. Starters soon followed and they were of a good standard. However, certain members of the CurryCouncil did note that the Shish Kebabs could have been warmer and portion sizes slightly larger.
The consensus was that you would have been somewhat dissatisfied if you had paid the menu price for the dish. Main courses soon followed with the accustomed rice / chip / nan (peshwari & plain) accompanying them (All of first-rate standard). Again, the main dishes on the whole were of a worthy standard (again nice taste but slightly small portion) with clear plates across the board, with Mr Marf being the only member to voice his discontent (“like an Asda curry”!).
However, some Council members felt a little aggrieved that they would be heading home without the customary bowling ball in their stomach. Maybe extra pops at the start may have assisted here?
Hot towels and lovely mint chocolates were soon given out by the staff, with Bean doing his usual (annoying) trick of grabbing an extra one, so that somebody has to ask where theirs is etc etc. We got the bill which came to a very reasonable £16 (including adequate tip), which rounded off a very pleasurable dining experience.
Was it good enough to take this years curry of the year title remains to be seen?
Food - 6.5/10
Service - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Value for money - 9/10
Originality - 8/10
Overall - 7.5/10
Food - 6.5/10
Service - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Value for money - 9/10
Originality - 8/10
Overall - 7.5/10
1 comments:
Most locals in Bollington will tell you that The Viceroy, which long proceeded The Bayleaf, is much the superior location for the curry afficionado. It's only a couple of miles up the road - you guys really should try that place instead if you're ever back in the area.
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