One of Soho’s best destinations for a quality Indian meal, Carom, recently underwent refurbishment. Taking the popular pan-Indian restaurant up on an invitation to view its new “rough-luxe” interiors provided a good opportunity to have another taste of this Soho stalwarts tasty menu.
“A relaxed industrial-inspired space, draped in decadent fabrics with antique finds scattered throughout” looked cool … and I’m pleased to report Carom’s dining area felt just as comfy as I remembered it, just not as ‘80s sleek’ as maybe it once seemed. With more atmospheric lighting that before and a new soft metallic colour palatte of brushed gold, silver and copper – plus subtle hints of dusky blue – it was a more inviting space than before as well.
Scoping the new digs provided a good opportunity to sample the restaurant’s Traveller Menu (two courses for £15.50, three for £19.50). Highlights included a far better than usually expected assortment of poppadums and crackers with homemade chutneys, a venison kebab starter, and a main course of quail egg wrapped lamb Nargisi kofta with basmati rice. I really liked my cardamom bhapa doi (Bengali steamed yoghurt) dessert too. A glass of 2012 Alto Bajo Merlot, Chile (£6.80 for 175ml glass, £8.50 for a 250ml glass, or £23 for a bottle) was an ideal match for my meal.
Service was, as experienced during past visits, was swift and exceedingly polite.
Carom is located at 100 Wardour Street, W1F 0TN. Find out more at caromsoho.com.
