MY quest for top notch curry cuisine usually takes me to the Tything’s balti belt.

However, on a rainy October evening a couple of friends and I decided to revisit an old favourite at the bottom of London Road.

As Sidbury Spice is a bring-your-ownbooze establishment we hoped it would help our wallets cope with the pre-pay day blues.

It was relatively quiet when we arrived at 8.30pm. We were greeted by a friendly waiter and noted the restaurant has lost none of its relaxed ambience. The decor has an understated but modern feel and a welcoming atmosphere pervades throughout. The menu had a good mix of traditional and contemporary dishes with a fine selection of house specialities.

After munching some crisp plain and spicy poppadoms, with a tasty array of dips, and imbibing just the one glass of wine, we were ready to order.

Starters: I plumped for prawn puree (£3.45), which came wrapped in a pancake. The prawns were fine, the tangy sauce complemented the seafood, and the pancake was just the right consistency.

Lin was delighted with her chicken shaslick (£3.65), a sizzling platter of succulent marinated chicken, mixed with onions, tomatoes and a crisp side salad. Dan chose a haseena kebab (£3.95) and declared the lightly-spiced chicken “tender and tasty”.

Mains: I was keen to sample the tandoori fish massalla (£7.95). Our helpful host explained its potency approached Madras level.

I was grateful that the chef followed my request for a milder version to the letter. The curry, accompanied by steamed rice (£1.50) was a delight, the sauce spicy and piquant but easy on the palate – superb.

Lin declared her daig ghost (£7.95) quite spicy but truly flavoursome. It certainly looked a treat – tender pieces of lamb accompanied by yoghurt, herbs and spring onions.

Dan went for variety with the chef ’s special (£8.45) and pilau rice (£1.75).

The concoction of chicken and lamb tikka, coupled with king prawns – and even a boiled egg – ensured a proteinpacked dish.

All three of us felt we were obliged to try desserts. A couple were unavailable but the almond ice cream sufficed and was fine.

The bill came to a credit crunch bargain of £48.25. All in all, an enjoyable evening – great food, excellent service.

The restaurant was filling up as we left. We’ll be back – as with all great acts, Sidbury Spice leaves you totally satisfied but wanting to return for more.

HOW IT RATED

Sidbury Spice,
82-84 Sidbury,
Worcester.
Telephone: 01905 76337
Food ★★★★✩
Value for money ★★★★★
Ambience ★★★★✩
Service ★★★★★