Lunch: The Warwick Arms

I had to say something about the lunch we had today. Someone in the office had the idea of going to the Warwick Arms, so a group of us tagged along, it being a nice day.

It turns out to be about a ten-minute walk from our office. I've passed it many times, but never been in, although I remember considering it once. What I've missed! The main entrance is off the main road, in a small alley. The outdoor seating was in the shade, which made it a bit too cool, so we sat inside. It's a lovely, cosy little pub, traditional decor, with wood panelling and plenty of ornaments. They have a gimmick on Wednesdays, so the sign advertised, that you can roll the dice, and if you get a double 6, your drinks are free! (Champagne excluded..) Despite a large group of us showing up without a reservation, we had no problem getting a table.

There are two menus - a regular bar menu, with the usual fare, and a full Indian menu. Well, what with having seen an Indian film yesterday, I was just in the mood for an Indian. I hadn't been able to have one yesterday because I had food in the fridge, that was due to go off. So I ordered a chicken tikka masala, with steamed rice. I wanted apple juice, but all they had was J20 apple and mango - which was very refreshing.

Our group was served gradually, each dish being brought out as it was ready - a sign of freshly prepared food. Mine came in a very exotic-looking setup - tikka and rice each served in tin bowls, each bowl balanced on a matching holder that contained a nightlight, to keep the food warm. The tikka came in a bowl with handles on the side, the rice bowl had a handle attached around the rim. Laura was impressed with the colour of the tikka - not fluorescent orange, as often happens. Well, it was gorgeous! The others all enjoyed their food, but those who had Indian gave it the highest praise. As Paul - who had chilli - remarked, while it was spicy, it was tasty, without just burning your mouth. Now, that is a find. Someone in that kitchen is a terrific Indian chef, and I have no hesitation in recommending it as the best Indian I've had in London so far! The rice is priced a bit steep, starting at £4, but combined with a main course for £8.95, for the quality we got, it's great value!

Well, I'm back in Ireland now, and next on the agenda is the Limerick Choral Union 50th anniversary concert, at the University Concert Hall. Limerick, tomorrow evening. Should be lovely - only thing is, it's a "dry" day, one of two in the year - Good Friday and Christmas Day. So no alcohol can be sold! Although I do hear that theatres are exempt, if you have a ticket for the show. So we might be ok! ;-)