“A Rogon Josh to die for.” Pete Postlethwaite. This celebrity endorsement appears on the menu and on the website. Unfortunately Mr. Postlethwaite (a well-known luvvie) had died a few days before our visit; I hope that the Durbar’s Rogon Josh was in no way responsible for his untimely demise.

This is a busy and popular restaurant that’s been run at the same location by the same family since 1956. I arrived ahead of my colleagues and was given a genuinely friendly and warm welcome, as though I were some long-lost traveller in need of sustenance.

When the others arrived we got down to work with some excellent starters, including Paneer Haryali (cottage cheese) and Chicken Makhmali, a succulent variant of Chicken Tikka.
The main course Chicken Kholapuri (on the bone with chilli and ginger) was pretty good. But the Lorient Special Chicken (the house special) really stole the show – it was truly delicious.

Even though the place was full (a good sign for a Tuesday night), the waiters maintained the initial high standard of service.

Durbar has won several awards – deservedly so. I think this place could become a firm favourite, and I will then increase my VV rating. But I will need further visits to confirm this; next time I might even try the Rogon Josh.