I think it must have been around 7 years ago, one Friday evening if my memory serves me correctly, that 2 friends asked if I would like to go out and eat with them. Being a food lover, I said yes without even asking where. Around an hour later I found myself on route to a place called Queensbury. As the summer sun was setting, we weaved our way through the last of the Friday evening traffic, and headed away from Berkshire towards Wembley Stadium. On arriving I was met by a large fronted restaurant, the biggest in an unassuming parade of shops just a few minutes walk from Queensbury tube Station.
I will never forget that moment I walked in, although the restaurant was huge it was packed and every table was taken with standing room only. Although you can book, most patrons choose to arrive and wait for a table. To the right I could see an open plan kitchen, and a very busy pass. Plates of beautiful Indian food were leaving the kitchen at a pace, and as a mixed grill passed by us sizzling on a bed of chopped onions my appetite started to rapidly grow.
The Regency has a very loyal customer base, both locally and more further afield. A family run restaurant with a history dating back to the early 1990’s, it started life as a private member’s club. Its Kenyan influenced Indian food proving so popular that it soon opened its doors to the public. The Regency club has never really advertised, through word of mouth and recommendations it has expanded and today covers the floor space of 3 shops.
From my first visit that evening to the present day, I have lost count how many times I have visited The Regency. I can honestly say that no matter what I have ordered I have loved eating every dish. From succulent crispy chicken wings to beautifully spiced Paneer, their starters cannot be beaten. My personal favourites being Garlic Mogo chips made from the Cassava plant, delicate Tilapia fish spiced to perfection and the hot but wonderfully soft and succulent lamb chops. Some starters pack some serious heat! They can be cooled beautifully with Regency’s own Lassi yogurt and milk drink, or their freshly pressed Passion fruit juice.
Main courses are extensive with dishes to suit everyone. From fish, chicken, lamb and vegetable, each has a varying level heat and a wonderful feel of home cooking. I find it hard not to visit without ordering Minced Kheema Lamb, with a rich depth of flavour, not over spicy and delicious to taste. Paneer too is always on my list, either the creamy and smooth Mutter Paneer, or the Paneer Masala. As always chicken curry is a must try here, Karahi chicken Masala has wonderful depth of flavour and a medium level of heat. Special mention must be given to Karahi Methi chicken with its beautiful aromatic Fenugreek. I like to include side dishes too, a yogurt Raita, the soft Naan or tandoori Roti and Cumin infused Jeera rice.
It would be hard to visit Regency without trying a desert. After so many spices they make the perfect end to any meal. Rasmalai is an is a personal favourite of mine, and if you have been lucky enough to attend an Indian wedding, it’s usually on the menu! For those that haven’t, it’s decadent tasting aromatic milk, with a sweet and very delicate sponge. Beautifully rich with a dimensional depth of flavour. Malai Kulfi ice cream, is both cooling and refreshing with a unique and very distinctive taste profile.
I often get asked if I have a favourite restaurant. It’s a question I find very difficult to answer. Why? Because I have more than one! For a restaurant to become a favourite it must deliver exceptional food on more than one occasion, be affordable and most importantly the dining experience must always feel very special. The Regency Club does this, and then some! Its dishes have authenticity and a feeling of home cooking, the restaurant has a real energy during service and the staff always make me feel very welcome. The food is some of the tastiest I have ever eaten. The Regency Club is unquestionably the best Indian restaurant I have ever visited.
3 Courses With Drinks, Expect To Pay Around £25 Person
For More Information On The Regency Club Please See www.regencyclub.co.uk
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