Located on the main road - the A271 - with plenty of on road parking the restaurant is easily spotted with its modern looking front a contrast to the cottages in the village. It has a modern feel but is tastefully decorated with tables nicely spaced. For a Wednesday evening it was surprisingly busy.
The Papadums were fresh and crisp - albeit not served warm - with a tasty selection of pickles. The raita was notably different to many others we have sampled with a very interesting sweet yet slightly savoury flavour. Buoyed by a great start with nice cold Cobra expectations were raised.....
....only to be let down by blandness - and lots of it. About the only thing positive that can be said was that Phil's Dhansak had some heat but there was nothing sweet nor sour to go with it and Bob's choice of Butter Chicken might as well have been just chicken. Very disappointing.
The vegetables were equally bland and even with the addition of salt (and neither of us could remember when we saw salt & pepper on a table in an Indian before) there was little flavour to be teased out.
The service was pleasant, if a little distant. At one point our waiter seemed to be focussed more on listening to an adjacent table than listening to our order. But on the whole, whilst nothing exceptional, perfectly acceptable. We were pleased to see terry towels served at the end of the meal.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
7
|
Papadum
|
7
|
8
|
Curry
|
4
|
2
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
4
|
4
|
Service & Ambiance
|
7
|
7
|
In total a woeful 58%
It seems strange that a restuarant serving such disappointing curries should be so busy. Did we choose badly or is the Eastern Promise catering to the bland tastes of the residents of Herstmonceux. We couldn't decide!
