Cinnamonclub

We saw for their 25th anniversary, the Cinnamon Club was doing a 2001 price throwback, which made it affordable for dinner on the famously lucrative PhD stipend

Cinnamon Club

Location: London, UK Cuisine: Indian Order Summary:

The Experience

The evening started in enthralling fashion as we ran into Jacob Rees-Mogg as we walked down Great Smith Street. Too bad this enthrall was brought to an abrupt halt as we ambled in at our pre-agreed booking time and the table was not ready.

We were ushered downstairs to the very nice bar, where we had a very expensive (but tasty) mango and yoghurt combo; whilst Hannah sipped a Lime Leaf Collins; a fun take on the traditonal gin based drink. Whilst these waiting drinks were much enjoyed, they definitely put a dent in the fiscally responsible aspect of the evening.

After prompting the staff of our presence once more we were shown to our table, coats in the cloakroom (no space for the rucksack though - bit of an aura drain), we were nicely sat in a spacious booth seating table. The ambience was good, the location being in the Old Westminster Library provided much visual stimulation. After a quick re-look at the menu we confirmed our already pre planned selections.

The waiting staff were all very nice and speedy, and didn’t try and rush us through despite reviews online saying the contrary (but we were in the last sittings of the day)

The Food

Of course we checked the menu a priori, and already decided what we were going to get; but I was very excited with the option of some sides.

Starters

Tandoori Chicken

Was yummy, but not that much better than non-fine dining curry restaurant. N.B couple weeks later I went to the insititution that is Lahore Kebab House, and their Tandoori Chicken was incredible (…almost rivals the lamb chops). Their unknown green sauce was very much enjoyed and Hannah liked it a lot.

Sweet Potato Cake with Okra

Hannah can’t really remember. ‘It was nice, the bits on it were yummy’. The plate was left clean and the accompanying sauces were very nice, but we wouldn’t write home about it.

Lamb Kebab

This was definitely the best starter we got. They had the signature char-grill taste that you could tell meant they were made in a tandoor. They were very juicy; definitely an upgrade on the usually very nice kebabs found in LKH, Dawat etc. etc.

Mains

Roast Duck with Sesame Tamarind Sauce

Nice and yummy. Have to always get duck

Vindaloo Pork Chop

Since my year 5 form teacher, Mr O’Shaughnessy, told me about how spicy a vindaloo was, I have lived in fear at the idea of even being in the same room as this fiery beast (that is despite suffering through a fresher Phall at fines dinner, which is hotter and more horrible); however this curry was unreal. Tomatoey, umamiey and the nice amount of spice that enhances the flavour. The pork chop again had that signature tandoor char; was cooked perfectly and ‘had no chewy bits’ (Hannah’s words not mine). We would definitely get this again.

Sides

Spiced Mushrooms

Hannah had one and said it was fine but didn’t like the texture

Tarka Daal

Hannah liked it

Verdict

The food was very nice. Hannah wouldn’t have enjoyed paying £30 for it. The plates were too cold It was good the carbohydrate did not need to come as an additional side. Hannah was upset not to have a naan or equivalent indian bread

---

Food Rating: 8/10

Warm Plate Rating: 2/5