One of the lovely joys about my role is witnessing how frequently our region’s hospitality sector is heralded as one of the UK’s best.
Of course, we all know this, but in my role as Yorkshire Live’s What’s On Editor it is always a pleasure to be reminded by many of our restaurants and bars winning awards on a regular basis. If anything, there’s often so many accolades flying around our region’s establishments it can be a challenge keeping up. Although, I’m certainly not complaining.
One such glorious instance, of yet more sparkling success for Yorkshire, came when Kiplings, in Sowerby Bridge, took the regional and overall prize, for best Indian establishment, in the 2023 Food Awards England contest. Being more than partial to a curry it felt rude not to drop-in and give the gold-star restaurant a try.
Read more: We try Miller and Carter’s delicious budget-friendly new lunchtime menu
Arriving early on a Thursday evening, it appeared we were the first customers of the night’s service. We joked about what an intriguingly odd experience it would be to have such a high-regarded restaurant all to ourselves.
A pleasure we’ll have to await to experience another time. As soon after we took our seats many flocked to Kiplings with the Town Hall Street venue quickly filling up.
On closer inspection of the menu, alongside the reputation Kiplings has clearly forged, its rather appealing early bird offer might additionally go towards explaining why the masses rushed to pack the place out. During our visit, the deal, per person, allowed a diner to have a starter, mains and side for just £13.95.
The menu is extensive with traditional favourites and some more unusual delights to try. Obviously, the deal can’t stack up if the food served isn’t up to scratch. I’ll save you the suspense, it was. Joyously so.
From the moment our starting onion bhajis and veggie samosas landed, until we had our bill accompanying mints, everything was absolutely spot on. It was also a real pleasure to be in a dining room, somewhat eccentrically decorated, clearly loved by locals as there was a touching communal feel throughout our visit. Going out for a curry, in many ways, always feels like the most social dining experience and there was a real buzz during our Kiplings seating.
For yours truly, the portion sizes were welcomingly big. Although, it is worth stressing that the quality matched the quantity.
For main I enjoyed a chicken rogan josh with accompanying saag aloo side dish – the latter had a little bit of a kick to it. While my dining companion opted for the buttermilk chicken curry.
We were both in agreement that our meals were packed with flavour and we were delighted to make our first visit to the restaurant – a return visit is a must. The whole experience was complemented by the attentive service with staff also knowing when to leave you get on with the mammoth meal.
It isn’t hard to see whey Kiplings is loved by customers and judging panels alike. And with a deal like their early bird offer, it presents wonderful value for money.
The bill
- Six pappadoms – £5.40
- Pickle tray – £3.50
- Two early bird deals – £27.90
- Naan bread – £3.50
- Magners – £3.95
Total: £44.25
Kiplings, 28 Town Hall Street, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 2EA. You can find out more by visiting their website or calling 01422 316895.
You can find the latest food and drink news in Yorkshire and nearby by visiting our What’s On homepage. There you can also find days out guides for things to do across the region.
Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire’s unique identity and destinations and celebrate God’s Own County for what it is – the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help. Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place – sign up here to get it direct to your inbox.
YorkshireLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Yorkshire
