Cookham Tandoori - Cookham Village reviews

Review added 10/08/2017 14:22 by Mac

We hadn't been out for a curry for a long time so decided it was time to pop out for one over the weekend.
The food was excellent as well as the service.
My girlfriend said it was one of the best she'd ever had.
Highly recommended!

Review added 14/09/2015 17:27 by Mark

I totally agree with the last two posts. I have been eating in here for more than 30 years. This restaurant is in my opinion one of the best curry houses in the area. The place is spotlessly clean as befits the 5 Star Hygiene rating it has, this is the best mark achievable. The staff are excellent. The post from “Anon” smacks of either sour grapes or someone who wants to stick the boot into what I consider a fine establishment, along with many other locals who use this place.

Review added 12/09/2015 18:45 by MRS ELIZABETH BERRY

TO MR ANON, I asume that is because you want to be anonymous which makes me to believe you are talking utter nonsence, as if this statement was true you certainly wouldnt want to be anonymous. I have eaten in this resturant many times, and it is absolutely beautiful.No way is the restaurnt anything like you described.The staff and food is second to none. The hygiene is registered as a 5 star rating , as you can see from the outside. You must be talking about another restaurant, Cant understand why you are trying to ruin the reputation of one of the best restaurants in Cookham, this really upsets local customers like myself. So stop making up stories and being anonymous.

Review added 02/09/2014 21:01 by Local Tradesmen

Food was good HOWEVER, the service, not from the staff but from who was obviously the manager was terrible. So this is what happens. Before hand the waiters were lovely, attentive and relaxed. The manager/owner (I have seen him at the beaconsfield branch) turns up, parks his X5 on the double yellows and rushes in. The staff then completely change. Its like the 'boss is here' so lets drop the smiles and become his bitches. He then hovers around you waiting for you to finish, then asks like he can barely be bothered, 'done,' 'finished,' and whips away your plates. Then comes the hot towels and chocolates - dumped and away he goes, not a smile.
By this point we were feeling really upset. The couple two tables down also began shifting uncomfortably in their seats whilst refusing coffee even though I heard the lady say she would of liked one.
I have never ever in my life wrote a review but felt compelled to do so this evening. My partner and I were hoping for an impromptu meal on a lovely evening that mirrored our happy, jovial mood yet we came away feeling like 'hostile.'
Will we never go back to any of his restaurants. Can't bare that 'I'm the big boss rubbish'.

The restaurant was basically empty and the bald man that served us was extremely rude.

FROM COOKHAM WEBMASTER
Two posts have been merged as from the same person.

Review added 12/06/2014 22:20 by Kate Roberts-Smith

A fantastic meal in the Tandoori! The food is absolutely amazing, and the service is incredible. It is only our second meal here, however we were treated like royalty! I love Cookham Tandoori, its an absolutely fantastic evening out!

Review added 15/11/2013 13:36 by Potterson

What a fantastic place. We 'used' to go to Maliks but got fed up with the rude service and lowering standard of food. It was a great refreshment to visit such a customer orientated restaurant with excellent food. You've got my 'Cookham Vote' Spice Merchants!

Review added 02/07/2013 18:44 by Matt

The service was excellent; they were very polite, timing was on spot. Food was the best ive tasted in a long while. definately recommend it.

Review added 30/01/2013 09:39 by Rob H

A great Indian restaurant! Having now been quite a few times I can highly recommend them. Their food is excellent as too is the level of service. Each visit is consistent, which to me indicates a good restaurant. Spice Merchants far supersedes Malik's in both service and quality of food. I have taken many friends there and all have really enjoyed the experience.

Review added 11/01/2013 13:51 by anon

dine at Cookham tandoori last week ;food and service was excellent. Definitely going back and highly recommend.

Review added 10/12/2012 09:11 by anon

What a disappointment! I went with a group of 10 people on a Saturday night. They served our starters 2 hours (yes, 2 hours!) after we were seated and continuously tried to sell us drinks. They were basically trying to get us to spend money on alcohol. When my chicken tikka massalla main finally arrived (approx. 3 hours after being seated) it was sweet and disappointingly not spicy at all. It was rather like a bright orange luke warm chicken milkshake. Definitely not worth the wait.

Review added 22/08/2012 15:52 by Chris

Interesting grammer in the previous review....reads well.....different ????? Hmmmm!

Review added 18/06/2012 09:58 by anon

Went for a meal with my wife on Saturday night, the food was very tasty. Service was first class. Going back there again later in the month.

Review added 11/06/2012 10:53 by Lila

I went to Cookham Tandoori with friends on a Groupon. We also had problems in getting a booking on Friday or Saturday so we went on Sunday. The food was nice but the service was not. The waiter, who turned out to be the manager, was hovering around the table to try to get us to eat quickly and leave. I have used Groupons at other restaurants and have not had booking problems. If the restaurant wants to have restrictions in place, it should make sure these are known to Groupon so they can be advertised on the deal BEFORE people buy it. I have read the other reviews and agree that some people who repeatedly review/comment in favour of the Cookham (such as Euwave) are likely to be linked to the restaurant.

Review added 22/02/2012 21:42 by Jill

Visited Cookham Tandoori tonight on a Groupon offer. The staff were very welcoming , polite & efficient. The food was delicious and piping hot and there wasnt anything in the 3 courses we could have faulted. All in all a great dining experience and we will definately be going back for another meal !

Review added 06/12/2011 11:25 by EUWAVE

From Cookham Webmaster
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As the following comments are not actually about the Cookham Tandoori but about Groupon, they have been merged together.

From EUWAVE 6 December 2011
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Yesterday, Monday 5th, the BBC news program on Radio 4 at 12 am did a 15 minute feature on Groupon. Apparently the organisation that looks into adverts that may miss lead people have been investigating Groupon since July of this year. One of the things the program concluded was make sure what you are getting before you buy and check all the possible pit falls, and they specifically mentioned restaurants! It is not the restaurants fault it just happens to be the way Groupon have structured the deal.

From Mike 2 December 2011
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Interestingly there was a middle page spread on the Groupon debacle in the Daily Mail yesterday. Key feature of the article was the number of businesses that had been misled and ended up inundated by groupon requests and they couldnt cope and had to meet demand by selling their meals or products at cut price. Its simply not sustainable. Cant blame Cookham Tandoori for trying to avoid the same position and if they can offer a groupon booking then take it at anytime as the food is fantastic.

From EUWAVE 2 December 2011
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I concur with the last reviewer "Mike" regarding Groupon and other such offers. I cut this passage from a website that reviews such matters, and this is what they advised about Groupon.

Will the fine print spoil the bargain?

That big "Buy Now" button is the largest thing on the page, and, when you're ready to drop the hammer on a mani-pedi deal, it may seem the most important.

However, each business that offers a Groupon can add its own restrictions. A restaurant famous for pancakes, for example, may limit its deal to lunch or dinner hours, or an online offer may be available to new customers only.

It's annoying to learn after a purchase that you can't use the deal the way you wanted to. Best to read the fine print up front to make sure you know what you're getting.

From Mike 1 December 2011
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I think that there are restrictions for groupon bookings in all restuarants. Its happened to me before (not cookham tandoori) and I checked and the restaurant was right, there are limited "seats" or tables allocated to groupon. Its understandable as no business can offer across the board discounts at all times to all customers within the groupon initiative. Groupon customers must appreciate that they are being offered a vastly reduced price and for that need to work within the rules. Tino should relax and go to the cookham tandoori in a groupon window as to get their quality of food for a groupon price is well worth it. I happen to also know that the groupon bookings available in the cookham tandoori are filled very quickly by others who are flexible within the discount system.

Review added 30/11/2011 14:18 by Jean

I've read all the views posted and it does seem that some reviewers, such as 'Euwave' and 'Curryman', are protesting too strongly in favour of the Cookham Tandoori to be considered unbiased. I can understand a reviewer posting a review to reflect his/her dining experience but these people are just posting multiple reviews not related to visits. I have to agree with the earlier reviewer that this is all too suspicious. I dined at the restaurant recently. It was average in terms of food and service. It was not anything special to warrant a return visit.

Review added 04/10/2011 16:25 by anon

Referring to the review from 'Salvatore' below, I agree that it is difficult to run any small business and especially so in the present economic situation BUT this is all the more reason to offer above average customer service and is not a reason to avoid honest comment. To me, it seems like many of the good reviews are likely fake reviews posted by the Cookham Tandoori restaurant itself. I visited the restaurant as a group of 7 some weeks back. The food was average but nothing more. The service was well below average, in particular having to wait for over 20 minutes for a table that had been booked in advance and having to complian about additional dishes added to the bill but which had not been ordered. This seems to be a common problem at this restaurant. Taking a note from 'Salvatore's' view, I shall be voting with my feet and not returning.

SECOND REVIEW 9 October 2011 (Merged)
This is not a good place. It gives poor service and is very very expensive for what you get. The food is only average and not worth the money

Review added 30/09/2011 15:07 by Jamie

Here here Salvatore! Heartily agree and I will also say my own experiences of CT have been very good hence I return there. Less obvious sniping and more constructive advice or praise is called for on these Review pages.

Review added 28/09/2011 16:16 by Ahmed

It is disappointing that the reviews look to have been hijacked by an element seeking to bias them in favour. This defeats the purpose of reviews, which are to give others an impression of one's experience.

I am originally from Bangladesh and so have a very good idea what Bangladeshi cuisine should taste like. I have also dined frequently in Indian and Pakistani restaurants and have some experience of those.

I have dined at the Spice Merchant restaurants in Henley and in Cookham. The food at the Henley restaurant was very good and not far from authentic Bangladeshi, 7 marks out of 10. The Cookham Tandoori was regrettably much lass enjoyable. Although Bangladeshi dishes traditionally use more sugar than Indian, they should not be sweet as were the curry dishes at the Cookham Tandoori. When this was raised, the dishes came back simply with red chilli powder added! I have to admit that although the Cookham Tandoori is a Bangladeshi restaurant, it's food is not a testiment to Bangladeshi or Indian cuisine.

The service that was received also leaves much to be desired, including a lengthy wait despite having pre-reserved and there being empty tables, and also unclean dishes.

Cookham Tandoori, take note and learn from the other restaurants in the Spice Merchant group!

Review added 28/09/2011 11:54 by Curryman

Peterp should read reviews accurately. I know both Maliks and Cookham tandoori are Bangladeshi. I also know the majority of "Indian" restaurants are Bangladeshi. That means there are others and that includes authentic Indian restaurants as well. The food in both Cookham outlets is good. The food and consistency of Cookham Tandoori is better and has been for many years. Throw away statements about sugar are meaningless unless supported by actual real (not anecdotal or hearsay) facts proving this to be the case.

Review added 21/09/2011 14:30 by Curryman

Rhona. Maliks is Bhangladeshi. Pretty much all "Indians" in the UK are actually Bangladeshi. Malik was front of house manager at the Cookham Tandoori by the way.

Review added 16/09/2011 20:52 by Jim

Rather sorry to see such mixed reviews and experiences as all my visits to Cookham Tandoori have been very good. Not all of us can have the same view of course - that would be very bland but feel there is perhaps a little gamesmanship going on in the recent flurry of reviews. Pity.
For my view to those who haven't been here - try it and make your own decision and compare to across the road - great food at both I'd say but too much of a conceited attitude at one. Greatness that lasts in the restaurant world is humble and thoughtful.

Review added 14/09/2011 08:51 by Laurie West

The food here is good with nice flavours and it is not too oily like many of the run of mill Indian restaurants that abound.

The service is efficient but to qualify it as good needs to be more friendly and personable.

The prices of the fish dishes are very high.

I would recommend the take-away option more than the restaurant. The 10% off improves the value and the quality is, of course, unchanged.

Review added 13/09/2011 09:37 by EUWAVE

I have to agree with the second reviewer. Firstly The Cookham Tandoori is priced like many restaurants in Cookham and the surrounding area, i.e.: to match the spending power of the customer base. Secondly, I consistently have had good and polite service here, along with very good food. In general discussions with other people who have been in both establishments the favoured one is The Cookham Tandoori. I concur with the reviewer who states it is a little too obvious to recommend the option across the road. Lastly take a look at the star ratings, one establishment gets 4 stars the other 2.5, say no more!

Review added 12/09/2011 17:51 by anon

AVOID IT AT ALL COST. Whilst the food is terribly overpriced and bland, this pales in comparison to the poor service dished out by the restaurant manager. In fact it is more aptly termed 'disservice' since the chap clearly is ignorant of the meaning of the words 'customer service'. He is deceitful,rude and ignorant. I would suggest that you avoid this curry house and instead visit Maliks Tandoori Restaurant just a few doors away across the road.

Review added 11/07/2011 13:06 by Montyzo

My wife and I liked this restaurant very much and would recommend it to others and would take people with us. In summary:-

Very tasty food; very nice and relaxing ambience; historic and charming location; friendly and efficient service.

Review added 22/03/2011 09:51 by Paul O

We had Sunday lunch for the first time for ages at the Cookham Tandori (CT). We have had Sunday lunch twice recently at Malik's. The first contrast between the two restaurants was how much more space we had at CT which was great as we had granddaughter, high chair buggy etc. The second contrast was that it was pretty quiet. The food was very good and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. It was a good experience which we will repeat.

Review added 15/11/2010 12:00 by Sam

Been going for years. Avoid at all costs.

15 minutes before they asked if I would like a drink. 40 minutes for starters to arrive. 3 of the main courses had tomato sauce (I kid you not) on the side. Staff in total disarray. Management hiding.

No idea what has happended. It is now a takeaway with tables.

Review added 05/09/2010 13:13 by anon

My girlfriend and I visited the Cookham Tandoori last night after not having been there for a long time. I must say that it was one of the best Indian meals we have ever experienced. The ambience of the restaurant was perfect and felt very inviting. Both of us are experienced in Indian cuisine and were pleasantly surprised by the presentation and size of the portions. The onion bhajee for starter was a real treat and unlike any other I have tasted.

The staff were attentive and the depth of the wine list was also unexpectedly thorough. We look forward to returning soon, especially with the cold winter months ahead!

Review added 08/08/2010 23:28 by local resident

Had a wonderful evening at Cookham Tandoori.
I had the Kebab Bashari to start with and Chicken Jasmin as a main course, both were exquisite.....something that I haven't tried anywhere else,which is also very nice.
The staff were very friendly and welcoming.
I will definitely be returning and would highly recommend this restaurant.

Review added 21/06/2010 14:36 by Natasha L

I've visited Cookham Tandoori a couple of times this year and each time I've had consistently good food whilst the service is polite and unobtrusive. Try the lamb shank that they do - delicious!

Review added 29/11/2009 14:02 by anon

Expensive, tasteless. Good service but not good curry. Specials very unspecial.

Review added 11/06/2009 10:23 by Rob

Pleasantly surprised. Being a devotee of Charles Cottage I wasn't expecting the friendly service that we have become used to but the Cookham Tandoori did very well. Food was excellent. It's a bit of a shame that the interior od this old place has been modernised so much but it's so well done that I think they have got away with it. Comfortable seating, really excellent food. Only slightly more expensive than Charles Cottage and portions possibly more generous, just not so cosy interior. Well deserved 5 stars.

Review added 11/05/2009 09:20 by Chris Joyce

27 years (says it all)
Many congratulations.
Looking forward to our visit tonight.

Review added 23/03/2009 12:54 by mike

ref cookham tandoori (spice merchat)
i visited the above this sunday with my family
all i can say is fantastic one of the best indian meals i have ever eaten the service was excellent all the family had a wonderfull time we will be going back time and time again well done spice merchant

Review added 28/11/2008 13:02 by anon

Well done! Yet again a wonderful meal had by all and very reasonably priced, exotic flavours and no oil.Excellent service. Will return soon. Keep it up!!

Review added 13/08/2008 10:46 by anon

It always amazes me that such a fuss is made over Mailiks when the Cookkham Tandoori has been producing the best food available for over 20 years. (In fact Malik used to be front of house at the Cookham Tandoori). The quality of ingredients, cleanlines, presentation, consistency and sublime flavours is unbeatable and the service from the staff is exemplary, attentive and very friendly. I have tried all the Indian (Bangladeshi) restaurants in Cookham and none can come up to the Cookham Tandoori (Spice Merchant) standards.