Pete's Indian restaurant

THE last time I dined at this restaurant in London Road, Worcester, Desperate Dan cow pie was on the menu and all the rage when quirky themed pub the Little Sauce Factory was in its heyday.

So it was with great interest my pal and I returned to sample the delights of even quirkier sounding Pete’s Indian restaurant which now occupies the 19th century building – a landmark which frames the iconic view of Worcester and its cathedral as you head into the city down London Road.

Our grand entrance was not helped by at first trying a locked door but we quickly found an open one, helpfully marked ‘entrance’ and made our way in.

Reaching the top of the stairs we were first asked if we wanted a takeaway, then shown to the welcoming bar area, complete with leather sofas, where our reservation was met with a quizzical look before we were taken to a corner table in the busy restaurant. It was heartwarming to see some of the former sauce factory’s features remain including the ceramic tiled ceiling complete with map of the British Isles. And we had a good view of the open kitchen, watching the busy chefs cooking some exotic delights.

A couple of mishaps ensued with service. We had to ask for a wine glass, side plates and a fork but the staff pointed out they were battling with a new till system, so we put it down to first night nerves.

Thankfully, our charming waitress more than made up for any mishaps and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout the evening.

So to the food.

Our complimentary poppadoms and dips were top notch. My pal then plumped for a chicken chaat starter (£3.20) which came in a pancake. He declared it a decent effort but was not bowled over by the dish.

My Kashmiri fish tikka (£3.95) was more of a hit – tasty, salty chunks of cod with a spicy sauce which gave the dish quite a subtle kick.

For mains I opted for lamb dupiaza (£6.40) with pilau rice (£2.25), which was excellent.

Succulent, tender lamb mixed with a plethora of herbs and spices, imbued with that sweet onion taste. It was one of the best Indian dishes I’ve tasted in Worcester.

My friend chose one of the chef ’s specials Kashmiri chicken massala (£6.85). He was more than satisfied with this and dipped his keem naan (£2.60) into the chunky chicken dish with relish.

The food was washed down with a very fine Carlos Serres rioja (£13.95), which particularly complemented the lamb, and a bottle of Cobra (£3.30).

For dessert I sampled a traditional Indian ice-cream – a very sweet kulfi pistachio – (£2.80) and my pal polished off a more Anglified chocolate ice cream (£2.80). Both were fine.

Pete’s Indian Restaurant boasts no artificial colourings in its food, a five-star food and hygiene rating and it also has guest musicians.

This is all music to my ears and I’ll certainly make a return visit.

HOW IT RATED

Food: 4
Service: 3
Value for money: 4
Ambience: 3