The Big Curry Hunt

If you’ve never come across the name before, it may take a while to wipe the smirk from your face.  The name Gaylord has serious connotations if you remember life on the playground.  When I was a young lad, it was king of the insults.  Now I’m all grown up it has another more discerning meaning.  It has become the yardstick by which all other curry houses are measured.

Gaylord is just off Charlotte Street which is itself a centre for restaurants and bars.  Despite the fact that competition for punters is fierce in the immediate vicinity, Gaylord stands proud at the head of the list.  You head into the restaurant to be greeted with a well lit room that spreads to left and right.  An Indian fresco adorns the entire right side wall and a well stocked bar stands on the left.  Tables are well set and each diner has intricately carved metal plates in front of them.  There are flowers on every table and several huge and beautiful arrangements are spread across the room.

Gaylord has the absolute perfect mix of old world charm and Indian culture, evoking images of the Raj and setting you in the mood for a true feast.  I have no idea how long this restaurant has been here but I know it is a very long standing tenant.  This place has been around for years and they seem to have kept their incredibly high standards intact  in that time.  A rare accomplishment.  The food is tremendous and the waiters are all very experienced.  Everything is truly superior without ever attempting to pander to the modern crowd.  You won’t find a single “fusion” on the menu.  Simply put, they know what they are doing and you are here to learn and enjoy yourself.  Do not come here if you are one of those people that cannot enjoy anything but the best, as this place may spoil you for other curry houses.  Kind of like stepping out of an Aston martin into a Ford Escort.  But with curries.

Ratings

Popaddoms and Pickles – Popaddoms are light and fresh and the pickles are all fantastic.  These are all original tasting and definitely don’t taste like they have just come from a jar.  The spicy poppadoms here are hot enough to melt through a polar ice cap and fall out the other side.  You have been warned.

Beers – No taps.  Cobra 660ml so the world is alright again

Sides – Aloo Tiki here is magnificent.  Full of flavour and all the right textures.  The same can be said for all other sides as they are all delightful.

Curries – Deep flavours, rich sauces and everything is cooked perfectly.  The Achari Gosht is my personal favourite, but all curries will impress.  I’ve yet to meet anyone, who has been here, who doesn’t say the same.

Vindictiveness of Waiters – You have no worries here at all.  If you tell them you want it hot, they make it hot.  They are all men with hair on their chests, although I do hope you realise I am talking in metaphor.  It’s not that kind of a restaurant regardless of the name.

Face Towels- Very hot towelling with a lemon fresh scent.  Marvellous

Complimentary Chocolate With the Bill – A small chocolate square of the highest quality.  A nice way to finish the meal.

Price – 4 poppadoms, 2 cobra 660ml, 2 curries, 2 pilau rice and an aloo tiki will set you back about £60/65.   Considering the quality and the experince as a whole, that is cheap.

Final Score – 9 out of 10.  The only reason this isn’t getting 10 is that I’ve not eaten in every curry house in London yet.   As hard as it may seem to me, I’m keeping the highest possible score in reserve.  Just in case.

One Sentence Summary – The best curry house in London by quite some distance.