ESP's food writer KJackson discovers a festive feast for all at Tap & Tandoor in Peterborough.
The run up to Christmas is all about festive get-togethers. I often find a sit-down meal too formal while dressed up in my seasonal glad rags, which is why I prefer a good old buffet to enjoy with my nearest and dearest, alongside a few cheeky tipples. Are you looking for something a bit different this Christmas? Turkey and sprouts not your thing (or perhaps you want to save it for the big day)? Then I’ve got just the answer!
Indian gastro pub, Tap & Tandoor, just outside Queensgate shopping centre, offers a fabulous Christmas buffet menu where the food keeps coming - and there’s plenty to go around! As it’s a set three-courses, all you have to do is kick back, relax and tuck in when the courses arrive.
For those keen for a Christmas gathering the Tap & Tandoor festive menu is available throughout December, although bookings are already coming in fast so it’s best to get a date in your diary as soon as possible.
Now, on to the menu itself. Trust me when I say the large mixed grill starter is the piece de resistance! A plate of chicken wings, lamb chops, chicken tikka chunks and kebabs were served with several huuuge onion bhajis (the batter is mixed with one of the restaurant’s draught beers), battered crispy fish infused with Indian spices, masala chips and curry sauce.
Veggie and vegan menus are also available. There was so much food that my two friends and I had to pace ourselves, so we didn’t peak too early, but the portions are perfect for large groups of people. You can pick at each dish and devour as much or as little as you wish.
Next up was the main course. I loved the fact we had bowls of various dishes as it meant we could all try a bit of everything. My favourite was the butter chicken (big chunks of chicken draped in creamy gravy), while my friend thoroughly enjoyed the mixed vegetable curry (green beans, carrots, peppers, cauliflower and potato in a spicy tomato and onion sauce – and it certainly did have a bit of a kick!) Also on the menu was a lamb curry and tarka daal. Of course, a curry isn’t a curry without pilau rice and naan bread, and this went down a treat too.
It was a struggle, but we managed to find space for dessert – we had to test it out so we could tell you all about it! Options include traditional Indian ice cream, which was incredibly creamy and had a mild spice, a cinnamon dusted brownie with ice cream – always a great combination – and the British favourite sticky toffee pudding, with an Indian twist. But you’ll have to try it for yourself to discover what it is!
It’s a wonderfully varied festive menu in a lovely setting and with top-notch service. And at £29.95pp for three courses, it’s a right steal. No-one in your group will go home hungry, believe me.
Tap and Tandoor’s festive menu is for a minimum of four people. Veggie and vegan options are available for all courses. To book, visit Christmas – Tap and Tandoor, call 01733 312444, or email peterborough@tapandtandoor.co.uk
Kelly Jackson
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