With an ongoing pandemic choosing somewhere to go out for a meal (or whether to go out at all!) is difficult. We have been living in the area near this restaurant for a while now but never had the opportunity to try it out but...tonight, at short notice, we gave it a go.
When we arrived they were friendly and seated us right away. The waiter seemed very rushed, like he should be somewhere else, and kept pulling his mask down to speak. We felt very rushed as he took the order. Drinks first - a Cobra and a Kir Royal, and I ordered snacks and fish tikka starter. When the Cobra arrived it didn't taste like Cobra - I thought that was weird. It was hoppy, more like a wheat beer. I didn't enjoy it and wondered if it was actually Cobra. The kir royal had lots of floaties - I convinced my other half they were bits of the raspberry that was floating in it.
The starter was passable, and as soon as I ate the last bite the waiter swept in and cleared the table. I hoped he would get to where he needed to be soon. I should mention though that the fish tikka was delicious and didn't need the limp salad on the side.
I had ordered a bottle of rosé from the menu and asked for it to be delivered with the main. The mains arrived - Lamb Bhuna and Lamb Karachi... no wine. Both sauces were identical, but in different style dishes, and HEAVILY salted... I think someone may have accidentally dropped a bag of salt in into the pot. It was barely edible. But I soldiered on! It was a shame because the lamb was soft and tasty.
I asked the rushed waiter about the wine and he went to the bar and we continued eating.... Half way through the meal the manager asked if it was Ok and I said "We ordered a rosé?" He went back and checked then returned and said he was deeply sorry but they didn't have any left so instead he would get us the best wine they had. Oh wow, I thought, things are looking up. I heard him say to the barman - give me the most expensive wine we have... Great customer service!
We finished the meal with chocolate fudge cake and ice cream - odd to see that in an Indian restaurant but it was just what my fiancée fancied. Pity it was dry shop bought cake, squeezy bottle chocolate sauce and grainy ice cream full of ice crystals.
The bill was the best part though... When the manager apologised for not having the wine we ordered and brought us the best, most expensive bottle on the menu, we thought he meant for the same price - maybe we were just idiots, but... If I'd wanted that wine from the menu I'd have ordered it - I believed we were getting a "replacement of same or better value".
The cost of the meal was nowhere near good value for the food or the service received.
I've had a read of some reviews from other patrons similarly dissatisfied with Ronaq, and the restaurant always replies - thanks for taking the time to review, we will take your comments into consideration, blah blah blah.... This place doesn't care about its customers, so do yourself a favour and go somewhere else.More
