Masti, Wellington

Reviewer's rating **** As there is already more than one Indian restaurant in Wellington you'd perhaps think there was no need for another, writes Cathy Stanworth. Yet competition can be a good thing - especially for the diner.

Masti in New Street, is a coffee shop and snack bar during the day, and indian grill and restaurant by night, with BBC celebrity chef Anjum Amand having had a hand in coming up with the evening menu.

To celebrate its launch the owners unveiled a special offer of a five course meal for just £9.95, which has now been extended until June. It includes a popadom, any starter, any main course, any naan and pilau rice, but does not include King Prawn or Masti Specials.

Having read about the venue in the Telford Journal I was informed that Masti was offering a more modern 'free style' way of cooking, having placed the big sauce pot into the archive.

I had read how the menu choice was much reduced, with the emphasis being placed on simple, quality dishes.

Visiting on a recent Friday night, myself and Simon were surprised to find just one other table occupied, by a group of work colleagues, at 8pm.

I was really shocked that with the special offer, and the quality of the food, the place wasn't heaving? Perhaps we just need to spread the word.

As it's unlicensed I was meant to remember to take along a bottle of wine, but I'd forgotten, so myself and my partner Simon made do with bottled water and coffees.

Although Masti has a small frontage it goes back quite a way, and has a decent, small-sized restaurant area with clean modern tables and chairs and plain painted walls, which could do with a picture or two.

There's a small step up to the seating area and be warned that the loos are basic, but clean and functional, found at the top of quite a steep, narrow staircase.

The staff, all men, were very friendly and professional with our young waiter being particularly efficient and courteous and keen to check we were happy with our meals.

Although the waiter reminded us about the £9.95 offer we ordered our dishes separately as I wanted king prawns and a special.

We had two popadoms (80p each), followed by starters of King Prawn Tikka (£3.95), Murg Kali Mirch (£2.95), then Garlic Chilli Chicken Masala (which comes with Pilau rice) (£7.95), and Chicken Pathia (£5.95) with lemon rice (£1.95). We also ordered a nan bread (£1.50). Our drinks order of one bottle of water and three coffees came to £6.45.

The popodams came as expected but the accompaniments came in small square dishes - a step up from the traditional twirling sauce pots. The sauces were more subtle than the norm but I could have done with a little more of them.

When our starters arrived we realised that we were on to a winner. Mine looked very pretty, with large, butterflied king prawns, which had been marinated in spices and yoghurt, then skewered and cooked in a tandoori, under the grill.

They were large and full of flavour and the accompanying salad was fresh and colourful. I was glad of my water though, because of the spices in the dish. Very nice indeed.

Simon's starter, which was described as char-grilled marinated crushed black-peppercorn chicken kebabs finished with fresh coriander marsalas and lemon juice, arrived as an entire chicken breast on the bone. Simon enjoyed it, saying it was tender and tasty.

For our mains, special mention has to go to the lemon rice that Simon had - I wish I'd had it too. I had a little taste and it was the best Indian rice I have ever tried.

My pilau rice and Garlic Chilli Chicken Masala were served separately. I had succulent pieces of chicken marinated in spices, cooked with fresh green chillies, garlic and onions.

It was really good, with great big chunks of marinated chicken in a lovely sauce with light and fluffy rice.

Simon's Chicken Pathia was very enjoyable and tasty and he was also very pleased with his rice.

So curry lovers of Wellington, now you know. Why not go along to Masti and take advantage of the special offer?

Just don't forget to take along your own alcohol.

ADDRESS

Masti Indian Grill and Restaurant, 9 New Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1LU

Tel: 01952 259217

Menu Sample

Starters

Onion Bhaji (spiced and crispy deep-fried onions, mixed with spices and green herbs) £2.95; Sheekh Kebab Masti (grilled coriander & ginger flavoured special lamb mince kebab) £2.95

Main Courses

Masti Special Biryani (finely prepared prawns, lamb and chicken, on a bed of pillau rice, cooked with an enclosure of vegetarian mix, served with spicy sauce) £6.95; Aloo Gobi Matar (coriander flavoured cauliflower, peas and potatoes accompanied by Channa Masala, whole chickpeas and tomato gravy) £4.95

Sides

Chips (£1.50), Chapati (£1.20)

Desserts

None on the menu

Atmosphere

Quiet but welcoming

Service

Friendly, efficient and professional

Disabled facilities

Flat entrance access