Spice Hut (New Taj)

Spice Hut Review - March 2023 New name - New Taj - April 2023 This month we went to the Spice Hut, on the A422 near Deanshanger. Our last visit was in Feburary 2020, our last Curry Club outing before the first Covid lock-down. Since then, it’s had a change of management. Talking of which, we started the evening in the nearby Beehive in Deanshanger, which recently reopened under new management, after an extended period of closure. It was busy, friendly and welcoming, a “proper” pub in my view. It’s great to see it open again and we wish it well. Then on to the Spice Hut. Approaching it from the east, you see the back of the building and it doesn’t look overly inviting. The view from the west, the frontage, which you see when you pull in off the main road, is more reassuring. Inside, the place is bright and well decorated. It wasn’t very busy but hopefully the new ownership are working on driving up the numbers of covers. We had a nice large round table, which really helps make for a convivial event when there are a group of you. The staff were excellent; chatty, friendly but not overly-intrusive. We started with popadums which were accompanied by five dips/pickles/salads. And, after a quick chat with one of the staff, an excellent sixth dip miraculously arrived, a delicious sweet chilli sauce. And a shout-out for the lime pickle – I always try them but rarely like them but the offering here was outstanding. On to starters; in it’s previous existance, this restaurant served a rashmi kebab which was an especial favourite of one of our number. Imagine his disappointment when he realised it no longer featured on the menu! However, a quick word with the waiter and the chef knocked one up as a special request. That is great service. Everyone seemed pretty happy with their choices; my chilli paneer was really good. We were all treated to a little extra dish too, with a “golden ball” for each of us. Nice! Main courses next and, as usual, we sampled each other’s dishes and they were all pretty good, with some stand-outs. I reckon my lamb rezala was the winner though! Portions were good and there were several doggy bags to go. Overall then, a welcome return and, if you’re a resident of ‘Shanger, it must be welcome news to have both a good pub and a good curry house back on your doorstep. Happy days. Simmo