A new style curry house in the centre of Birmingham (Broad Street). This restaurant is far away from your, curry slop that becomes Korma, Madras or Vindaloo depending on the amount of curry powder added, Friday night after a few beers, flock wallpaper, citar music playing, type of place. I thought I aws in for a real taste bud treat when I first visited but was dissapointed. Looks can be deceptive. The decors modern retro, brassiere style, with a few gimmicks e.g TV'S above the urinals. The food however, is not a million miles from the above-mentioned restaurants, with only the rice (v good) and the lack of gee (oil) differentiating itself. The presentation is good, the food good, but not great. The old familiars (madras, jalfreizi,nans etc) are all on the menu albeit with slightly different names, along with a handful of dishes I was not familiar with. Prices are reasonable approx £8 mains, £3 rice, £5 side dishes, and wine from £13. The service is brusque to the point of rudeness, I think they have a policy of employing young attractive staff, rather than experienced waiting staff, some of them believe that they are to cool to be serving plebs like me (and you). I've eaten there about 7 times in the last year, this is because my colleague rates it and it's convenient to the hotel I use when in town. The restaurant is always busy when I’ve been (usually Wed/Thurs eve) and it does have a certain buzz to it. I’m told by the locals that Shimla’s is where the stars eat, well I’ve eaten there 7 or 8 times and only seen Mike Atherton (who!). This restaurant seems to be run first and foremost by accountants, with the chefs taking a back seat. In summary, if you want , good food, a lively atmosphere and mediocre service give it a go. If your looking for quality food, and good service go somewhere else.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Freshly prepared food, superb buffet, basmati rice recommended! Disadvantages: All courses Not really authentic –but not bad try!some variation in quality between chains (Birmingham's food not as good as Leicester branch)
Connoisseur_Haggler 31.03.2001 (04.04.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of ShimlaPinks, Birmingham
Jul 11th, 2003
helpful by (100%):
