New Great India Tandoori Restaurant

22a Seymour Place
London
W1
Tel: 0171-723 5166

The New Great India is a small friendly Indian Restaurant strategically located near to Marble Arch and the Edgware Road. It is slightly off the beaten track but it is roughly located to the rear of the Cumberland Hotel and towards the Edgware Road. (As a little aside, it is close to a decent pub called the Mason's Arms which sell Badger Beers from Dorset - two good reasons for one visit to the area).

In an area with so many good restaurants of all descriptions the New Great India is towards the bottom of the pile when it comes to price (as is typical of Indian Restaurants generally, but in London the choice of restaurant types in any area is vast). The food is probably best described as decent and well cooked but not outstanding, making it reasonable value for money. On the number of occasions that we have tested this restaurant it has never been busy. What it is like later at night or at weekend may be another matter.

The interior is a little cramped and the decor is passable but very typical Indian restaurant. A large party dining would impinge on other diners who might be looking for a quieter, more secluded table. Service is very friendly and attentive. The size of the restaurant means that the waiter is always only a glance away.

The menu contains the usual Indian Restaurant choices at standard London prices, but there is nothing unusual or inventive, which might make any restaurant stand out. When the food arrives it is always fresh and hot, the portions are also reasonable. The meat content of the dishes is not too generous. The standard korahi dishes are served in small iron woks, which come sizzling hot. The sauce content is rich and spicy. We have sampled the korahi, dhansak, bhuna and madras main courses and all were adequate. One memory of this restaurant is the pervading aroma of turmeric in the dishes, whether this is actually due to heavy use of turmeric or perhaps a psychological effect I don't know.

Verdict - if you are in the area either on business or pleasure, perhaps staying at one of the many hotels around Marble Arch, it is a convenient place to eat if you fancy Indian Food. If you are determined to eat well and in style and are prepared to pay more for the pleasure then there are far better restaurants in the area. It is a basic, decent, run-of-the-mill Indian Restaurant.