Mrs. Ali's - The Benchmark Balti House

Mrs Ali's is a long standing firm favourite with students, professionals and families a like, and that's probably down to the consistency and simplicity of their service. All of their dishes come in at a good standard, a fair price and are reasonable in size. There's nothing ground breaking at Mrs Ali's, but that isn't her game plan, she just wants to see everyone fed on some solid Asian cuisine. And at that mission, this place is definitely bang on the money.

All of the typical curries are there - rogan Josh, lamb gosht, tandoori chicken and the likes, as well as some exemplary, freshly baked naans. Unfortunately they also still serve atrocities like Peshwari naans, chicken kormas and other vulgarities of western 'Indian' cuisine. The Fat Spoon does not approve of such smut, there's probably more culture in some Dixy's chicken out of a bin near the Gate. But at least they're keeping everyone happy, and there's much more authentic cuisine on the menu to outweigh the filth. Going for their highly sharable set menu is not only great value for money, but also covers all bases in the curry house experience.

The service at Mrs Ali's is definitely to be commended, because unlike many of the curry houses in the country, the waiting staff aren't moody, illiterate or have some sort of issue with using deodourant. In fact they are particularly welcoming here, with Mrs Ali herself often at the front of house to welcome diners. However, the best feature of Mrs Ali's has to be exceptional value for money, particularly with the 6 course happy night offer, available on Thursdays and Sundays. Enough food to keep anyone happy and covers all of the specials on the menu (prawns have a small supplementary charge) and is accompanied with a glass of wine. This wine may taste like tramp chunder mixed with the sweat of a fat man, but the food itself is a huge bargain alone. 81%

The LB Restaurant - Drunkards Delight

The one and only curry house that is open well past all of the pubs, and thus it is a common destination for the hungry merry makers. But that doesn't mean it isn't a suitable restaurant for any other time of day. Also known as Latif's or Latif Balti this surprising large but well hidden restaurant offers all of the classic Indian and Pakistani dishes you would expect. The service is always excellent, whether your as sober as a judge or as battered as Irishman on St. Paddy's day. Often Latif himself is on hand to welcome patrons/diners. The pricing of the food is highly acceptable and they aren't overly cheeky with the cost of Cobra's unlike a lot of Indian restaurants. They even offer a Gourmet Society discount, further making it a superior munchies quencher over the likes of the kebab shop or MacDonald's. Don't expect anything overly exotic or contemporary, the format is as straight forward as you need when your intoxicated. Although it is a favourite with post-pub curry hunters, the food as actually quite good. Dishes are cooked with a clear level of experience and taste great, sober or smashed. The warming atmosphere of the restaurant is also great, although care must be taken, getting too relaxed could result in you snoozing in your saag paneer or spilling madras all over your own crotch. Not that the Fat Spoon would ever do anything so undignified. The only down side is (and it is a crucial one) that the next day you will most likely be spending some quality time with your friend John, i.e. your bowels may well be rupturing like Mount Etna. 70%