Spices — Restaurant in Dudley

Nose dived since our last visit. Something has changed. I'll explain... The waiters used to be very attentive, take your coat to the cloakroom, sit you down, unfold your lapkin and place it over your lap for you, take your drinks order, place the menu in front of you, and give the impression they're passionate about customer service.

I booked a table for 10 people, we arrive, they take our coats and show us to our 'round' table. The first customer service flaw, the waiter says he only has 5 menus and could we share. Then plonks them on the edge of the table and walks away.

The waiter had a 'fed up' vibe about him. He squinted every time we asked him a question, like he'd rather be doing something else than waiting tables.

Other negatives include, forgetting our drinks order and me having get out of my seat and walk over to the bar. Not once but twice.

Nobody asked us if evening is okay with our food. My nan bread was burnt and I would have asked for it to be changed.

No deserts were offered.

They gave us a pile of cellophane sealed hand towels that were stone cold.

No offer to retrieve coats like they used to. We retrieved them from the cloakroom ourselves.

On the positive side, everyone was happy with their food. Just the staff seem to have lost their mojo,...

If You Know, You Know — Spices Sedgley: A Proper Hidden Gem

Tucked away from the high street, Spices Sedgley is what you’d call a proper hidden gem. From the front, you’d barely know it was there. But regulars know the real entrance is via the rear gravel car park—room for around 40 motors. Head up the unassuming fire exit corridor, and bam—you step into a dark, debonair space lit just right, with smooth blues and evergreen classics playing softly in the background. The vibe is uplifting from the moment you walk in.

Now, let’s talk service—on another level. The staff here are proper legends. Helpful, polite, and full of knowledge without ever being in your face. Genuine class. And no, before you ask—I’m not getting paid to write this. It’s just that good.

The food? Hands down the tastiest Indian grub in Sedgley, no contest. The menu’s packed, but if you’re not sure what to go for, just ask—the lads will sort you out with something spot-on. Or stick with your go-to—you won’t be disappointed either way.

To sum it up:

Location: Hidden gem Ambience: Top-tier Service: Next level Food: Absolute belter Overall: Warm, friendly, professional—what more do you want?

If you haven’t already, get yourself down there. Trust me—you won’t...

If there's a competition for the darkest restaurant then Spices would win it. This and the slightly loud music reminded me of Faces Nightclub way back then. The front entrance doesn't do it any favours but I guess most use the back door. It's been years since I was last here, partly because it's been difficult to get a table on spec. It is therefore obviously very popular with a loyal following. Once your are seated and your eyes have adjusted then you will realise that it is quite a smart dining room and could have a romantic vibe, depending on the music. The service is excellent, very friendly, helpful and attentive without being intrusive. Some nice touches including further dips for our starter and a table warmer. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff. The food is good but I found my Chicken Nagraj dish a bit peppery, and it looked exactly the same as the wife's Balti. The pilau rice and chips weren't the best I have ever had but the naan bread made up for them. Even with the drinks I thought the bill was...