Carom

Restaurants

Bars

100 Wardour Street

Mid-range

Special Offer

Carom

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Time Out says

Thu Nov 3 2011

Meza lounge bar and restaurant has been reincarnated as an Indian-themed venue. The two lovely curved bar counters remain, and a smart Soho drinking crowd still hang out here – but the tapas and pub grub have been replaced with a line-up of tandoori grills, street snacks and classic curries.

Even signature cocktails are spiked with the likes of curry leaves, cumin and cardamom.

Balaji Balachander, formerly a chef at Benares restaurant, has the credentials for cooking pan-Indian meals, and his affordable sharing menu reflects regional flavours.

Between four and six dishes are about right for two people – even if the waiter tells you to plump for eight.

Punjabi street food came up trumps, with potato and ginger griddle cakes served with onion-fried chickpeas and tart tamarind sauce – a popular combo in downtown Delhi.

Other dishes weren’t as impressive. Sweet and tangy Bengali pumpkin mash, simmered with onions and tomatoes, was marred by a heavy helping of masala. We weren’t bowled over by the thick, starchy marinade over the tandoori prawns either.

Woes continued as we dipped into Kashmiri rogan josh – the lamb was overcooked and it lacked the hoped-for meatiness and the cardamom and clove flavours. The advertised bread assortment consisted simply of plain naans, adding to the disappointment. Carom’s menu needs to be distinctive if it’s to be more than a watering hole for moneyed media folk.

The dining area doesn’t make for intimacy – it’s at the rear of the venue, and an awkward space. Lengths of wispy hanging fabrics attempt to soften it, but the nightclub vibe isn’t great for lingering over a biryani. It’s also a thoroughfare for staff en route to the bar.

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Special Offers

Express Lunch: 2 courses £8

From a set menu. 3 courses £11.95 Maximum of 12 diners. Includes VAT, excludes service.

Offer valid until May 31 2013
Pre-theatre:2 courses £10

Get a 2 course menu for £10 or a 3 course set menu for £11.95. Offer applies to Set Menu. Maximum of 12 diners. Includes VAT, excludes service.

Offer valid until May 31 2013
2 courses £10

from a set menu (three for £15). Includes Vat, excludes service.

Offer valid until May 31 2013
Cocktails & Spice sharing menu: £30 per person

From a set menu. Maximum of 12 diners. Includes VAT, excludes service.

Offer valid until May 31 2013
Beer tower and sharing platter

A sharing platter and 8 pint beer tower. Offer applies to Set Menu. Maximum of 8 diners. Includes VAT, excludes service.

Offer valid until May 31 2013

See 2 more

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Venue location

Address:
Carom 100 Wardour Street
London
W1F 0TN

Phone:
020 7314 4002
Website:
www.danddlondon.com
Opening hours:
Open 4.30pm-2am Mon-Thur; 4.30pm-3am Fri, Sat. Meals served 4.30pm-1am Mon-Sat
Transport:
Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus tube
Price:
Meal for two with drinks and service around £60
Map
1. Carom
  - 100 Wardour Street
    London
    W1F 0TN
  - 020 7314 4002
  - www.danddlondon.com
  - 51.513621,-0.133936

Facilities:
Eating and drinking facilities. Bar. Restaurant. Restaurant and bar facilities. Reservations required. Accessible facilities. General facilities. Private rooms
Occasions:
Drinks. Cocktails. Going in a group. Late night
Type of event:
Parties

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Comments & ratings

(5 ratings)

coming straight to the point,, had come to book a table for 30 on this month end and to taste the menu. positives------ good food and ambiance negatives----- bad service etiquette i was a walk in on saturday and the restaurant was empty. i wanted to book a table for 30 for the month end so need to check out the menu. i requested for a table in the main restaurant and the floor in charge said it is fully booked, me and my gf took a seat in the corridor but as we finished the restaurant was still empty.lol. floor in charge touches the persons back while he takes the order.the waiter who is new wants me to explain the menu but the in charge pulls it away. Myself working in hospitality was amazed in such a good place. . i ordered a bottle of wine from the waiter and the supervisor patted my back and said well done. dont know why????? i will be back only for the food as i loved the crab cakes, chiili squid and maybe prefer to sit the bar then the restaurant.

jay Wed Aug 15 2012
Rated as: 2/5
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Let me get straight to the point. Indian style PUB Was one of the worst experience i ever had. - Restaurant Badly managed ; I booked a table espiaccially wanted to watch opening ceremony, got the worst table at corner, but some ppls just walked in sat themself at the table! what was point of Made booking! - Unhappy stressed staff - Very unprofessional staff from the manager to runner! No attention do details, keep forgetting order, I've asked my bill 3 times waited 15 min to pay! - Their uniform looks awful. Jeans, pink shirt, lace top.... whatever... Food fairly good. but rest ruined everything. I hope the would manage better next time when it necessary. specially when their showing live tv. (Olympic games, Football, Closing ceremony...etc..) - There was Reward card on the table. No one bother to ask if i want get stamp! Well even if they suggested i wouldn't get one. Coz im not going back.

Urnaa Sun Jul 29 2012
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Brilliant...simply brilliant food, drinks, service - the whole night! Went with my girlfriend last Friday night and have to say the expirience was one of the best I have ever had in any restaurant at any price. Started off with a welcome from the manager (lovely Indian chap) who sat us and helped talk us through the menu. His recommendations were excellent and really hit the spot. The food was perfectly spiced, never being too hot and all very delicious. The chef even came over who was very charming and wanted our feedback on the food as it was a new menu and we had tried a few dishes. After dinner we were suppose to go to another club for drinks but as the DJ and the whole night up to this point was great we asked to stay and they moved us to one of the booths which was a nice touch. We asked the waitress for some help with choosing some cocktails and after dinner drinks. She was new so asked another manager to come over (blonde guy with glasses) and he helped us talking us through the large gin range and the Indian whiskies which we tried many of and were great. The best part was the bill, despite having spent the best part of 5 hours in place and eating and drinking more than we should the bill was remarkably good value. A truely amazing find. I will be back again and again!

Stefano Tue Jan 17 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Loved Carom. The food was exceptional, service good and the Indian reserve wine and whiskies were amazing. Music ws interesting with a DJ and sitar player. Overall a brilliant night.

MJ Sat Nov 12 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Carom was amazing. The best indian food i have had in London even from much more expensive restaurants. The drinks and service were excellent too. I have already been back twice and am booking my work Christmas dinner there too! Amazing1

sandy Sat Nov 12 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Carom

Time Out rating:

User ratings:

Time Out says

Special Offers

Express Lunch: 2 courses £8

Pre-theatre:2 courses £10

2 courses £10

Cocktails & Spice sharing menu: £30 per person

Beer tower and sharing platter

Book now

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