Visit & Vibes

Slowly I am making my way through my big list of places to visit and Charcoals was next on my list.

On arrival when I entered I noticed something different… it’s much bigger inside now! Charcoals have knocked through to what used to be their delivery unit and now expanded the main restaurant.

This is such a great idea, as they can now get bigger amounts of people in and also bigger groups.

It’s really nice inside and still has that Charcoals feel everyone loves.

Muhammad then brought me Popadoms while I waited, they come with mixed pickles, mango chutney, raita & spiced onions.

These were very tasty and I enjoyed my nibble while I waited for my starter to arrive.

Décor	★★★★
Noise Level	★★★★★
Restaurant Temperature	★★★★★
Table Dressing	★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness	★★★★★

The Food

I wanted to order something I don’t think I have ever had in Charcoals, or if I have it’s been so long ago I have forgotten what it was like.

Onion Bhaji £5.25
Finely Sliced Onions mixed with Spicy Gram Flour, Spices & deep fried.

Onion Bhaji is a starter I don’t tend to get, so I thought today let’s get it.

On arrival the aroma was amazing and the presentation was very nice.

I took a bite and the first thing that I noticed was the lovely crispness to my bite, then the full flavour was next to hit me.

This was really tasty and I loved every bit, you have great texture and great flavours and I wish I ordered this more in the past now.

I will definitely be getting this again.

Aroma	★★★★★
Presentation	★★★★★
Taste	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Chicken Pakora £5.95
Marinated Chicken Strips battered in Gram Flour & deep fried.

Muhammad brought these out for me to try, this is what I would normally get or a veg pakora.

Again the aroma was very good, and once finished my Onion Bhaji I started right on these.

I took a bite and the chicken was lovely and tender and juicy, then the rest of the flavour hit me.

I loved these and the flavours from the batter and chicken, so good!

I will admit I did only eat 2 of the 4 as I wanted to leave room for my main but I would also get these again.

Aroma	★★★★★
Presentation	★★★★★
Taste	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Fish Masala £18.95
South Indian Masala Curry prepared with Coconut Milk, Black Peppers, Turmeric & Garam Masala.

As I said today I wanted to try a dish I haven’t tried before, and I spotted Fish Masala, and that’s all it took for me to order it.

On arrival again this looked very nice, and the presentation of the fish masala looked very good.

I am not great at plating up so excuse that pic but once I did plate it up I couldn’t wait to try it.

I took a bite of everything and wow! the flavour hit me then instantly a kick!

I am not normally good with anything that has a kick, but this year I have been getting used to nice small kicks in my food and this was perfect for me.

Now let’s get back to the fish masala part….so the fish was cooked perfectly and had a great texture, the masala sauce was lovely and also complimented it very well.

I am glad I tried something different today, and just like the other dishes today this is one I would get again.

Aroma	★★★★★
Presentation	★★★★★
Taste	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Today’s lunch was as always very tasty, and very filling and I felt very relaxed.

Muhammad was very kind and gave me my starters for free today, so a big thank you again.

Charcoals are still on my top restaurant list, so if you haven’t been check here out.

Service / Staff	★★★★★
Time between Courses	★★★★★
Halal Friendly	YES
Vegan Friendly	YES
Overall Value for Money	★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING	★★★★★

The above blog post review is 100% honest and has not been influenced in anyway. Its a true representation of my visit, and my thoughts.