Item 9: Brick Lane… as they say in India

Location: Brick Lane, London

One drizzly October night, courtesy of a mate’s birthday, I found myself amongst fifteen new friends strolling down Brick Lane in London’s east, in search of some fine Indian tucker.

Strength in numbers, we had the heads of the curry houses (for which the street is renowned), follow us from one restaurant to the next trying to out-bid one another.

“I'll give you 20 no 30, per cent off the bill?”

“One free beer for each of the boys!”

“We’ll give you eight bottles of wine for free!”

It was a sight to behold, and experience.

At the end of the trading session the establishment, upon which we settled, provided us with 20 per cent off the bill and six bottles of free wine. Although not the best financial deal to be settled on the night, we had made the trade-off for a restaurant with the window displaying glowing newspaper reviews, in the hope of dining on quality food rather than reaping economic reward.

Devouring pappadums and assorted chutneys whilst browsing the menu, we were full before our main curry dishes accompanied with mushroom pilaf and naan bread arrived. It was a fantastic meal. The only thing missing, the night’s grace – “As they say in India, get it In d’ya!”

(Thanks Shanks... Happy Birthday Kirsty)

Item 9: Brick Lane? Check!