Spice Connection — Restaurant in Gateshead

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this place under any circumstances, mainly due to the very poor standard of customer service—if not outright arrogance and refusal to accept any feedback. I ordered tandoori chicken as a takeaway main dish. After picking up the order, I immediately noticed how light it felt, so out of curiosity, I peeked inside. To my surprise, there was only a small paper bag. I returned to the restaurant to ask if that was everything that should have been included. I was told that yes, it was.

I left the place and looked into the bag again. This time, I took it out of the carrier bag to see what was inside. I pulled out a soggy, stained paper bag with visible fingerprints from the person who had packed it. I lost my appetite after seeing that. I went back to the restaurant again, and being mindful of the other customers, I tried to discreetly raise the issue and asked if I could get a different dish for the same price, as the one I received looked so unappealing that I couldn’t eat it.

The manager claimed it was my fault for taking the bag out of the carrier, then raised his voice and dismissively gestured and said he was busy. I waited until he finished his conversation and told him that his behavior was rude and that the restaurant had very low standards when it comes to customer service. When I said I wanted to complain I was told to leave.

The food itself consisted of two pieces of chicken coated with tandoori seasoning (which I suspect hadn’t even been properly marinated ), along with a few leaves of lettuce and some onion, all packed in a small plastic bag. Price 8.75.By the time I got home, the food was cold and the bag was soggy.

So, that was my last visit to this place, and I do not recommend...

We eat here once a month and there's always a warm welcome from the staff. The food is well prepared, and I don't recall being disappointed by ameal. We've tried other local restaurants serving Indian food but always return to Spice Connection.

Poppadoms are a good size, and there is a selection of 4 pickles. The spicy pickle is very nice and disappears far too quickly.

For a starter, I would recommend the flavoursome Kashmiri Aloo Chat, but the Onion Bhaji's and Mixed Kebab also get a thumbs up.

For a main, one of our party swears by the Chicken Tilka Naga Chilli (one for those who like a little extra kick). I usually waiver between a Chicken Tikka Ceylon and one of the Lamb dishes (Lamb Adraki - one for those who like their ginger).

The garlic naan is always fresh with a generous topping of garlic butter (however, I am reliably informed that the garlic, chilli, and coriander naan is very nice too). No rice for us as we're always full just with the naan.

For a Poppadom, pickles, starter curry, naan, a large bottle of Cobra, and a coffee, we pay around £28/£29 each, including a tip.

The only thing to note is that the toilets are upstairs, so if you have any mobility issues, you need...

After my second time ordering for takeout here I felt the urge to leave a good review based on how well I’ve been treated by the staff here, first time I came a younger man served me and he was friendly and I left with a good impression, then tried the Tarka Dal I ordered and it was flavourful, the ideal consistency and price for a side portion. Then, the second time I arrived 15 minutes before closing, after trying to order online and my phone dying I had to order in person and I apologised for the inconvenience of coming so late but they made the order with no issue or fuss. I highly recommend to anyone to give this place a try. The food was just as nice the second time too. Reliable, great service and delicious...