Singh’s Restaurant is situated on Market Street close to the Market Square. I’d been once before, and remember being struck by the hospitality of the staff, and for some reason the fantastic shot glasses which stuck in my mind as well, probably because I went looking in John Lewis for them the next day. It’s all the little extras like this that make the difference in a city where there is a number of Indian Restaurants.
We are greeted at the door by a beautifully dressed waiter in traditional dress and led to a table which is laid beautifully with a cloth and scattered with petals, a nice original touch. We choose drinks our from the menu, Kingfisher on draft and a Merlot. A chilled bottle of water is also delivered to our table.
The restaurant was launched in 2012 by owner and co- founder Mr Singh, who has over 15 years experience in the culinary industry. The distinctive menu he has produced offers fine Indian cuisine and classic curry dishes such as Tandoori Masala in a rich creamy sauce and a number of Shahi and Chef ‘treasures’, it embraces traditional Punjabi dishes and improves upon them with a contemporary twist using Mr Singh’s special spice mix, there is also a choice of vegetarian dishes, side dishes, appetisers, breads and rice.
We are bought an Amuse Bouche ‘Chicken on bread’ as the waiter calls it, it is however a small piece of fresh Naan bread topped with a beautifully flavoured piece of Chicken Tikka.
We agree to be good and just have a couple of Poppadums, but are pleasantly surprised when a basket full of light crispy small Poppadums arrive, along with a pickle tray containing a mango chutney, a lovely mint yoghurt plus a tasty mixture of onions and chillies.
We choose a succulent and beautifully spiced Chicken Tikka and a spiced fish appetiser, served with a tamarin based sauce with compliments beautifully.
A delicate, refreshing pallet cleanser arrives at our table. Sugar rimmed spoons laden with a mixture of mango, pomegranate and mint, both colourful and tasty.
For our main course we have chosen the Kerala Chicken in a medium sauce with coconut cream, seven spices, tomatoes and garnished with pineapple and the Shahi Jinga; jumbo king prawns marinated and roasted in a clay oven, both dishes taste freshly made with a perfect blend of spices. We also enjoy a portion of steamed Basmati rice each.
Finally we are bought a sweet taster. Spoons of a mixture almost like carrot cake with lychee. Exceptionally delicious.
The service is attentive throughout with staff regularly visiting our table to ensure we are happy with our food.
The restaurant has a striking interior, the vivid decor has rich aubergine tones against vintage pattern wallpaper, a huge clock sits in a frame and bold art work adorns the walls. An ornate bar is to the centre of the restaurant, with what seems to either be a water feature behind or something which gives the soothing effect of running water. The lighting is good but could be turned down a tad, but for me one of the down sides to the restaurant is that it just very square in shape with a high ceiling, whilst the brown leather effect seating is comfortable and there is good spacing to the tables, it’s all very open and lacks the intimacy of some of the other fine dining restaurants in Nottingham, which is a shame as the food is just as good, there is though still a great atmosphere in this busy City Centre restaurant.
Singh’s is one of the better Indian restaurants in town and perfectly placed for maybe a pre or post theatre visit, also the ability to see the chefs at work in the open kitchen is a interesting added element not to be missed.
Singh’s were aware we were visiting but we paid for our own meal and drinks in full and all views are my own.
For more information or to book visit: www.singhsnottingham.co.uk or call: 0115 9415455
By Tanya Raybould
