I’ve tried loads of websites for finding the best Indian restaurants, but they’re not great. They’re often sponsored by beer companies and they’re certainly not comprehensive. So I decided that whenever I’m staying in a town, I’ll just do a manual Google search rather than relying on “Best Of” websites.
I’ve also realised that Google Places is actually better than Maps for finding restaurants, pubs, etc. So I used that and found The Maharani, which looked promising — 4.8 on Google is pretty good. I checked into my hotel, went for a couple of beers, and turned up there around half eight.
Oh my God, I was so annoyed when I arrived. The restaurant was reasonably busy but no more than half full. I asked very politely for a table for one. No issues at all with how I approached it — and the guy just said, “No, really sorry, we’re all booked.”
I said, “You can’t be — it’s a Monday night at half eight and half your tables are empty.” But he just kept repeating “Sorry, sir,” and would not let me in. So I walked out, fuming, and recorded the video you’ll see below.
Anyway, I ended up in another restaurant "Bees Indian" a little way along the road. It was actually a 4.7 — and it was really, really good. The waitress was, I think, Eastern European — not your usual Indian chap — and she was lovely. Massive portions. I had a lamb Jalfrezi and really enjoyed myself. I actually think I ended up in the better place in the end — so a bit of schadenfreude and all that.
Watch me fume in this one
MAP - For Bees - certainly not The Maharani
And here's a photo of the empty Marahini an hour later - i.e. no bookings !
