The Crafty Indian — Restaurant in Bradford

My wife and I had been here once before nd it was quite good, so with our birthdays coming up, we arranged for a meal with a few friends and family. Only eight of us altogether. Everything started ok but then it went straight down hill, rapidly. We had to wait for 50 minutes for our starters and when they did come, one was missing. We mentioned it to the waitress and she said she'd see what was going on. By the time the missing starter had come, everyone else had long finished theirs. Then after waiting half an hour with dirty plates at the table we had to stack all the plates at the end of the table and ask twice for them to be taken away. 40 minutes later and no main course. We asked the waitress how long it would be and and that we'd like all the dishes together, unlike the starter. She went away and reassured us it wouldn't be long and they would all be ready. 10 minutes later they finally came...... Minus one dish. We mentioned it again and the waitress went away and came back saying that the missing dish was missed off the order. Again, when the missing dish came, everyone else had long finished. We asked for the bill and to speak to the manager. We told him all that had happened and he said the missing main dish was our fault, that his 'head waitress' wouldn't make such a mistake and that we must not have ordered it. Even though eight of us heard it get ordered. He did not offer to take anything off of the bill or even an apology. A couple at a table near ours had been waiting an hour for their starters and after seeing what had happened with us and hearing the manager, they got up and left too. Since that night I have heard several stories of appalling service, one of which included swearing at a woman because she mentioned that they did not sing happy birthday to her daughter when they brought a cake out even though they said they would. I would highly recommend avoiding this establishment...

The food. The food is pretty good and reasonably priced. Portions are a little on the small side but it all tasted fresh.

Though it took over 30 minutes each for both the starter and mains to arrive. Peeking into the kitchen it seems there was a power struggle going on between the kitchen staff and the owner, with most of his time spent in the kitchen re-arrange tickets on the line, for then the kitchen staff to re-arrange them back. (as a side, we ordered for take-out once and it took 2.5hours to arrive, slow service seems to be a common thing here). With such a limited menu you would think service would be quicker.

Staff/Service. All the staff seem glazed over, disinterested and attempting to get their attention was like trying to flag down a taxi; you're not sure if they are going to stop or not. They all go around with their eyes to the ground. Also, for a place selling craft beer, one member of staff had no clue what a 'stout' was; so had no idea if they sold any or not.

Drinks. Drinks are very overpriced and there are no prices upfront anywhere. £2.00 for a 330ml (can sized) coke. But the beer takes the biscuit. I understand it sells "craft" beer and as an avid craft beer drinker I was excited at the prospect but two 440ml cans of "Brew York Rhubarbra Streisand Rhubarb Milkshake Pale" - which retails for around £3.00 a can - was being sold for £6.50.

Atmosphere There is none. Its extremely loud, the music choice is poor and all the staff are running around like...

So first things first- the staff was excellent. So there's that. But. I ordered the Lucknow lamb kebab- not sure why it's called that. I am actually writing this to know because I'm genuinely curious what kebab this is. It's not lucknowi, that's for sure. Just some crispy fried monstrosity with hardly any lamb in it. You could have said it was chicken and I'd believe you. But the false Lucknow name really annoyed me. The chole bhature is actually decent enough, so that's fine. But oh my god. The pani puri (if you can even call it that) was an absolute tragedy. I don't know what the chefs think the "pani" in pani puri means but it's definitely not a thick tamarind based almost sweet chutney. And the potatoes???? Why are they swimming in tamarind as well????? Genuinely what part of India is this chef from? I cannot imagine anyone who has actually ever eaten this dishes thinks this is how they're made. I am actually dumbfounded and would like an answer because this was a very confusing experience. I sent the dish back because I just could not stand it.

Drinks are extremely overpriced. Almost 3 quid for a small glass of pepsi (not even a half pint). I'm actually appalled.

If you're indian- go at your own risk. For a place that calls itself home style and authentic this is as far from home as...