Modern Indian dishes served in book-lined former Victorian library with downstairs cocktail bar

This was a pleasant set lunch to have on a visit to The Cinnamon Club which I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time as it came highly recommended. I was generally pleased with the food which I would say had care in its presentation but it was also obvious to me why this venue has not attained its Michelin star (if that was its intention). Good points were that the aubergine starter was undeniably pleasant with the tamarind chutney, the fried seaweed on top of the chicken main and the tomato chutney on the side was a very good accompaniment.

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But the bad points were the gristle on 3 pieces of chicken on my main course and the melon and hot garlic chutneys seemed to be too hot without flavour for the garlic and too sweet and sharp for the melon (I’m also unsure why the chutneys deserve a separate price of £4 for the three when they are given in abundance and with mini poppadoms in Quilon for example). Service ranged from the caring floor staff in suits to waiters who did not seem to be enjoying their role.

Overall this was a reasonable menu and it was enjoyable, but the little errors and lack of real finesse in these dishes lead me to conclude I would rather spend the same ball park money in a 1 Michelin starred Indian restaurant in London where there is even greater handling. This is certainly a very comfortable venue though which would lend itself very well to a good atmosphere with friends in the evening and is certainly not show-stopper.

Food Grade: 59%