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Tower Tandoori, 74-76 Tower Bridge Rd, Bermondsey, London SE1 4TP

Tower Tandoori, 74-76 Tower Bridge Rd, Bermondsey, London SE1 4TP

74-76 Tower Bridge Rd, Bermondsey, London SE1 4TP

020 72372247

I don't think Americans really get curry (mind you, why should they? It's not exactly part of their history). So I've got a new idea for a TV 'reality' show. Americans have to go into an Indian restaurant (or maybe any restaurant) and having read the description, order something straight off the menu without fuss, bother or calling the manager to discuss it. I've never seen them manage to do this. Points are awarded for each dish they manage to order and actually consume without fuss. I was entertained in the Tower Tandoori by an Amnerican woman asking for a vegetarian Vindaloo or something of the kind. At length. It could have been a short film. The waiters were extremely professional and very helpful and her needs, whatever they eventually were, were met. But it was certainly more exciting than Big Brother.

The Tower Tandoori is a bit of a 'jewel in the crown' kind of place. It has been in the same family, who clearly care about what they do, for about 30 years and it shows. It is a large room divided into two sections. It is atmospheric, well designed and discreetly lit with an upmarket feel. Chairs are red plush and tables have proper cloths and napery. Service is very good. Waiters wear a red and black uniform, are very helpful and know what they are doing (see above).

After some excellently un-soggy papadoms I started with tandoori trout (£4.95) which was tasty and picturesquely presented, with salad and a choice of sauces. You could tell some thought had gone into it. For main I had a dish I have never had before called Mirchi Baja Gosht (£7.50). This is stir fried lamb with peppers, chillies and spices and is really, really excellent. I have added it to my top ten Indian dishes. I had rice with it which was also excellent and accompanied it with the house wine, which was French and hit the spot too.

The manager told me that the Tower is the oldest Indian restaurant in Bermondsey. They have guest chefs and if a customer wants a dish of their own devising made the chefs will have a go. They do cocktails as well. It's the sort of place that's good for everything - from a business meeting to Auntie Ethel's birthday, to a special date and even to Americans. I've got to go back, just for that Mirchi Baja Gosht. I can just taste it now.


www.towertandoori.co.uk
By Harry at 12/09/2007 - 23:30 | 2007 | Ambience | Approved | Indian | London | Review | South | £££/$$$ | add new comment | 256 reads