The Ancient Raj is located on North Lane in Canterbury, about 2 minutes walk from the Westgate Towers. A converted pub, the decor is themed on the history of India in the British Empire. The restaurant has a small car park but there are several car parks (beware Pay & Display operates until 21:00 in Canterbury) within a few minutes walk.
On entering we were rather perfunctorily pointed at a table with the words "Well you can have that one there" and the adventure began. The table we were pointed at was set for 4 and a Waitress (unusual for an India Restaurant) was despatch to remove the extra settings. We were left with the impression, later reinforced, that she was new and seemed quite nervous.
The Papadums arrived quite quickly with the usual three pickles and a fourth, coconut based, dry pickle instead of the normal lime based alternative. The (bottled) beers were also served quite quickly and were nicely cold.
The curries, when they finally arrived, were a mixed bag. Phil enjoyed his Dhansak but Bob was rather disappointed with his Butter Chicken which he felt was rather bland and the chicken overcooked and starting to go tough. Phil agreed that his chicken was bordering on overcooked too.
The rice was nice and hot and the vegetables too but, sadly, both the Sag Aloo and the Muttar Paneer were very bland save for a a flavour of coconut in the latter which Bob didn't mind too much but Phil thought was totally out of place with cheese and peas.
The service was, sadly, poor. There is a head waiter who is clearly in charge and directs proceedings but his waiting team, the nervous waitress apart, seemed uninterested and acted as if they would rather be elsewhere. Most unusual. Bob and to signal that we were ready to order and again, a good 5 minutes after sitting there with empty plates in front of us that the table could be cleared. The Bill arrived promptly though!
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
8
|
8
|
Curry
|
8
|
5
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
6
|
6
|
Service & Ambiance
|
5
|
6
|
In total a rather poor 68 albeit a significant improvement on the previous visit.
Canterbury has a very limited choice of curry houses so there is little competition. Anecdotally the Ancient Raj has a good reputation but there are far better restaurants out there.
