Tamarind Spice — Restaurant in Epsom and Ewell

Had a table early (6.30) on a Saturday. We arrived and didn't even have time to take my coat off, let alone sit down before we were asked if we wanted poppadoms and drinks. I asked for a wine, to be told they didn't serve it. But they do serve beer and spirits.... only when the waiter came back that I queried why other tables had wine to be told I could get a bottle from the local shop to bring in. We had a tikka masala, which was too sweet for my liking! Tablecloth was taken away mid conversation and we had to hold our drinks up whilst they did this. We weren't offered a dessert menu, and had to ask. My daughter was under pressure to order as the waiter was standing over her whilst she was looking at the menu. Asked for the bill, which included my drink that I ordered with the dessert that never arrived. Explained this to the waiter and got an eye roll. Service far too rushed, quality of food not great for the price charged, and I don't understand why they don't serve wine when they have a display stand of several...

We live close to Tamarind Spice for about 12 years now. Previously the White Castle it had a make-over a few years ago, but continued under the same management. The restaurant is usually busy, and very popular, with local people supporting it, and quite a few travelling in to eat at there. We eat there regularly, both in the restaurant, and getting takeaways. We have found the online ordering system works very well (it could be easier to find what you want; but I gather that the web site is to be updated soon).

The menu is very much what you'd expect from an Indian/Bangladeshi restaurant; and we have found the food to be consistently good; and we have always found the service friendly and efficient.

I've been so positive that I feel I must point out that I have no shares in the restaurant, will not gain if it's successful, and will get no special treatment for submitting...

Service is very poor (slow & rude in their bluntness) but the food is wonderful! Our table was not set up for the right amount of people despite the note on the table saying the number, it took until the food was served and asking twice to sort. The air con is always set to freezing cold - ok a cool breeze when eating is nice but we sat in coats until then (despite them saying they'll turn it down). Service was very slow on arrival (from waiting for the poppadoms, drinks, to eventually ordering). But if you ask again you get a very blunt response that they were about to. Food was practically thrown down on the table in speed which was shocking. We used to come here as a family very frequently many years ago as the White Castle, not probably only once a year but we won't be coming again. A shame as the food...