Mirch Masala — Restaurant in England

A very ordinary meal which might as well have been from the freezer section of a wholesalers. We took the 2 for 1 offer. I asked THREE different people for water for the table. Eventually we both received luke warm water in a small glass. I needed it so I could take my medication, but they did not seem to take this into account, and the manager became obstinate with me because we had asked for this, given we had three bottles of overpriced Cobra beer with our meal. The cost of the meal did not tally with the menu. This sparked defensiveness from the manager. He refused to get the menu to explain otherwise. I questioned the charge for the starters - poppadoms and chutneys which said it was 4 people. There were three of us.

The manager who spoke poor English and clearly intimidated his own staff, attempted to do so with us. He accused me of being racist, which I am absolutely not, and caused a scene in front of other customers. I reluctantly paid, but this was not the end of it. As we left, he persued me onto the street and threatened me, saying "If I don't break your legs for you, I know people who will". I threatened him with getting the Police involved as he shouted it so that both passers by and patrons could here.

I stood my ground outside the premises on the public footpath. He told me I was not welcome in his establishment again, and that I should F off from his premises. I reminded him that I was on the street OUTSIDE his premises and was therefore not inside his premises. I did not get the Police involved because I did not want to be confrontational. I left the scene with my mum and wife.

Do NOT go to Mirch Masala unless you want your quiet evening to be spoilt by a nasty manager who has no time for either his customers or his staff. The manager is vile, and accusatory of anyone who questions the bill, politely.

There is a much better and nicer restaurant in Babbacombe called the Himalaya. Go there instead. They might even treat you to a free spirit or two. Their food is much better and is cooked from scratch. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID...

I’ve ordered from this place couple of time online. My children were cravings for paratha. I asked the guy at counter if they have paratha. He said yes. I walked in about to sit on one of the many empty tables at the restaurant. Wait a minute.., the story about to turn interesting here. I’m not sure if the lady standing next to him (I’d assumed Thai) looked at him and said takeaway 4. Never did I say I want to takeaway. I told the man I want to eat in. He asked me to go ahead to sit at one of the many table. As we looked at the menu, a man came to check if I want to order. I normally order for my children first and take my time to look at the menu. I ordered 2 paratha and 1 briyani. She came over and ask if that’s it. They’ve got ordering policy. I’ve never heard what policy before. That’s shocking. Just because I look Asian like her, that doesn’t mean I’m a tourist. I live here! I know how the local order and eat! If you’re thinking of ordering just a basic meal, don’t bother this place. Go to himalaya or elsewhere. There are many Indians nearby! Or you’ll end up having a nasty day. I’d get it if the restaurant is full house or busy. It’s 6 plus. There’s only 1...

We used to be regulars at this curry house and really enjoyed it in the past, but sadly, the quality and experience have gone downhill.

The food on our last few visits was overly salty, and the curries just didn’t have the same flavour or quality they used to. What was once a favourite spot has become a disappointment.

One of the more frustrating things was the so-called 50% off deal. It’s heavily advertised, but when the bill arrives, you realise there are no real savings applied — it feels quite misleading.

We also noticed some inconsistency in how customers were treated. Some tables received complimentary drinks while others didn’t. We couldn’t help but feel that because we returned a dish that wasn’t right, we were treated differently — which came across as petty and unprofessional.

It’s a shame because this place used to be fantastic, but we won’t be returning unless things improve...