Simply Indian, Tabard St., SE1 (6th April 2010) by Junior

A core group of RoT –ers attended this remarkable evening, hosted by Junior (looking less like his nickname with every passing day) as an introduction to his new ‘manor’. It was duly noted by the attendees (Vowler, Newts Senior and GRN Bates) that the ‘first Tuesday in the month’ once again threw many of our clan, having only been the case for ten or so years of RoT-ing, it has yet to gel with some members, who persistently schedule meetings and other events on this hallowed day.

Whilst falling somewhat short of the bile and vitriol the GRN wished poured upon you, I must comment that it seems strange that such a simple concept can cause such angst. It’s the first Tuesday of the month, and I guess will remain so (unless changed by consensus and prior arrangement) for some time to come.

So to the ale house. The Royal Oak Tabard Street is a gem, a proper pub that can entertain in harmony both the builders and the media types found on this particular night. Well kept Harveys of all varieties was on tap, although no guest ale was to be found, the best, pale ale and mild were all sampled with only the latter causing a raised eyebrow due to its somewhat watery taste. GRN found his way to the Thatchers West Country cider – a move not copied by the wiser West Country bred brethren in attendance, who have seen the dreaded ‘apples’ put paid to many a stout yeoman, friend and warrior.

A few ales later we crossed the road to the extremely convenient Simply Indian. Being a BYO, we dispatched a few of the crew to the ubiquitous Tesco Metro around the corner to secure quantities of Cobra. Sadly, Tesco’s was sold out so Peroni and Heineken were bought as poor substitute. Now Simply Indian was a recommendation from friends in the area and proved an excellent dining experience. GRN sampled the duck curry, Chicken Jalfrezi, Halibut and meatball curry were ordered with some sides, rice and naan. To say that this tiny little venue was a revelation is an understatement. The food was fresh, innovative, free from ghee and delicious. Add the fact that the mains were between £6 and £7 and we struggled to see how they could make a living. Fabulous little gem of a place and is top of my list for take aways and impromptu rubys.

The night fizzled somewhat as Arsenal took a thrashing from Barcelona, leaving Vowler a little down in the mouth, and Senior (looking every bit his nickname with every passing day) having to drive, thus we departed for our various worlds early. Verdict: a top pub, top curry, short on attendance. Shame on you as it was genuinely your loss.