Take it Away: Zouk Tea Bar and Grill, Manchester (From Asian Image)

Take it Away: Zouk Tea Bar and Grill, Manchester

4:28pm Wednesday 16th June 2010 in

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I have been to some plush places in my time so wasn't expecting the Zouk Tea Bar and Grill to really break the mould.

Joined by seven of Lancashire's finest I headed off down the M61 to see if this place really did live up to the hype. From the outside it looks like a posh takeaway but step inside and your perception changes somewhat.

You are greeted by a lavish and spacious interior. And there was a good mix of people.

Having taken my seat I ordered the mixed grill (lamb chops, chicken tikka, seekh kebab and liver). It will set you back £17 but is perfect for those going in a large group.

The liver and seekh kebabs were decent but I am a great fan of lamb chops and these were way too chilly and a little undercooked for my liking.

As for the main dish a couple of my guests pipped for the Lamb Karahi. Another chose the chicken biryani which came in a clay pot with a small naan covering the top to keep it warm, which I though was a good touch.

Personally, having taken a few bites I found both of these dishes a little bland. I think it was one extreme or the other!

My main dish was the chicken milawi - cooked in herbs and spices then stirred in a pan with pepper and onions and sprinkled with black pepper. This impressed me a little and was the one dish I would certainly recommend They also brought out the naan breads way too early causing them to go hard and crispy.

Whilst I have to say the atmosphere in this place is second to none and the hospitality is up there with the very best, there was room for improvement in some of the food.

With its flagship restaurant in Bradford, the Zouk bar is certainly a little different and if you want to impress someone this might be just the place to go.

But it kind of lets itself down on the basics - which won't bode well seen as this is one of the priciest places I have been to.