A pleasant Indian surprise

My wife and I had decided to take a spontaneous walk along the canal and were about to head home for some lunch when we caught a whiff of something tasty in the distance. We decided to head on and spotted the Underwood Lockhouse in the distance. From afar it looks like a traditional canal side pub and we were expecting a pub type atmosphere, roaring fire and selection of fine ales. However, it soon became apparent that there was more here than meets the eye.Upon entry you can either ascend to the bar area, which is quite a trendy looking bar with large screen for watching live sports or you turn right in to the restaurant. The restaurant is quite warm, but doesn't seem to match the exterior very well. It is well furnished, but very modern and not what you expect you first visit.The menu is what most people in the UK would call 'Indian' (i.e. Bangladeshi), but with a good range of non-Indian dishes as well. I had the Chicken Biryiani and my wife had a lasagne, both of which were excellent. In fact, the Biryiani was one of the best I've ever had. A tasty and large portion of Chicken Biryiani rice with a generous portion of curry sauce on the side, presented on a bed of fresh salad.The Underwood Lockhouse feels more like a night spot than a canal pub, which is what it is trying to be, but being so far away from any major towns provides free transport to and from the establishment in the form of a minibus that will pick you up and drop you off.

A User - 01/12/2008 | report this review