Many many years ago, at least 10 I'd say. I now only have the unlovely Yeoman as a very local drinking hole. The only good thing about it is the prices, unless you enjoy sticking to the carpet when you walk.
We've probably been there at the same time then as I'm a frequent visitor to the Yeoman and to Blue Ginger living only a 5 minute walk away. When Blue Ginger opened their food and service was so much better than Paprikas had been, but if they are improving then maybe it's time to give them another shot. Always liked their restaurant for a sit down, but their takeaway service was awful and the food was mediocre at best.
In reference to the posts above about England fans and hooliganism. There's no doubt that the English are targeted. There was a ****load of violence after the Euro Final this year between France and Portugal. I know, I was there and saw it with my own eyes. We turned onto the Champs-Elysees to see hundreds of fans being chased with bottles, armed police everywhere. I didn't see one mention of it on the news, except for Chris Kamara on Twitter, who couldn't believe it wasn't being reported. Just imagine the repercussions if that had been England fans.
Paprika have got their food sorted out, I have really enjoyed the last couple in there, (used to hate the place) but the service still leaves a lot to be desired, went in with about 20 of us on a Monday club a few weeks ago and the lad sat opposite me doesn't like too much sauce so he takes out what he wants. The waiter in his rush to get cleared up (always rushing you in there!) picked up the dish and scraped the sauce on to his plate!!.. wrong move.. but fair play the manager came over for some feedback, I was honest with him and he took it all on board. I would happily try them again. The Blue Ginger lads, Sully and Shaz and Mushy know how to do service though!
When I was in Bristol, for the most part the only Indian takeaway in reach was that one in North Street opposite the Masonic - I can't remember the name but it was still there the last time I was in the area. Later you had Ali Baba and the Curry Place near the Black Cat - and just before I moved up the M4 an Indian takeaway opened in Bishopsworth in the rank of shops just down from the Rising Sun. Swindon is good for curry restaurants - we have a good choice up here for that. Spoilt for choice!!!! I absolutely LOVE Indian food.
They sure do, and their food is some of the best I've had aside from when I was in India. The Brothers/Uddin family are trying to buy the freehold to the premises where Blue Ginger is located, as the rents on Gilda Parade are very high. The owner of the freehold lives in Gibraltar and is apparently unwilling to sell to them at this point, so there is a possibility that the restaurant may close at some point soon if they cant negotiate a deal which will be a bit of a blow, but I can see their point. They want a restaurant that is freehold as their one in Saltford is, not that I've eaten there. Fair play to the Manager at Paprika. I shall give them another chance at some point if the food is better. I can live with lousy service, you get used to it most places you go. Also worth mentioning, while on the subject of local takeaway food, that the burgers in Oscars and the Chinese at Gilda are also both excellent.
Aside from Blue Ginger, my other Bristol favourites are Ganesha in Bedminster and the Coronation Curry House on Coronation Road which looks like a hole from outside, but their food is wonderful. I've eaten at a couple of places in Swindon. If you are behind the Old Town (Goddards Arms area) there is a road on a hill with restaurants on both sides and a spit and sawdust live music themed pub. My Wife and I ate at the Thai on the LHS going down and the Indian a little further up on the other side just up from the pub. Both were excellent, especially the Thai.
Ha! The live music pub is the Victoria - Just around the corner (about 5 minutes walk) from my house - they have a Bowie tribute band playing this Saturday which I am considering going to - and that road with the Thai restaurant on is Victoria Road - we call it 'curry mile'. There are 2 Indian restaurants next door to each other where you describe. Both are good but I prefer the Ruchi which is directly next door to the pub. The other has changed its name recently - it used to be called the Curry Garden.
Sounds like a plan !! That's it ! The Victoria ! I don't recognise the names Ruchi or the Curry Garden but it was nice food. I'm pretty sure it wasn't next to the pub so it must have been the other one.
Best curries I have had in South Bristol recently.. 1) Empire of India, Keynsham. 2) Golden Moments, Saltford. 3) Blue Ginger, Whitchurch. 4) The Clove, North St. 5) Paprika, Whitchurch. 6) Raj Bari, Hotwells Rd.
