Spice 4 U — Restaurant in Great Britain

Disappointed. Been going here for years, admittedly as a tourist only a couple of times per year but didn't have a great experience this time. Not sure if it's changed hands? Didn't recognise the person who appeared to be in charge. Despite booking several weeks in advance we had the worst table in the restaurant, a small table right by the entrance door and next to one of their serving tables, which meant it was noisy, not relaxing at all, watched by all the takeout customers, and catching my arm on the food on the serving table thing. Initially we were going to leave but decided to stay as the food in the past has always been good. Service without a smile - the server did the thing where they serve whilst staring intensely at the other tables?!? Food was ok, don't get me wrong, but not as good as it has been previously: like some of the other reviews, we found it to be a little bland and watery overall. I did notice the menu had changed since we were there last. At the end of the night, they couldn't get us a taxi which meant a 2.5 mile walk back to where we were staying in the pouring rain. Never been a problem in the past and really topped our bad experience off. Unfortunately, I think this was indicative of a noticeable decline in Pickering overall. Places closed, NYMR massively overpriced, poor public transport, complete lack of any taxi service. We cancelled our other planned meals out due to not being able to get home afterwards. We probably won't be returning to Pickering and definitely won't be returning to Spice4U....

If your heart is set on flavors both complex and satisfying, come here. It's obvious that the chefs have pride in their dishes. The tandoori spice is clearly hand-made with the most diverse flavor profile I've ever had in a tandoori dish. Many other elements of the dishes I had were constructed in-house. The naan was especially fluffy and warm, providing the most delightful fresh-out-of-the-"oven" sensation, and the appetizers and entrees are still sizzling quite theatrically as it they are brought to your seat. The service, which can be a hit or miss in England, is a hit. They're friendly and accommodating. If I had to find something to complain about, it would be the price-to-portion ratio. The biggest example of this is their tea, which comes in a very small tea cup and costs £2.5 per refill. The Spice 4u Sizzling Starter for 1, though absolutely delicious, was a single chicken wing and no more than 4 oz of roasted/ground lamb. My entree off the special menu was a lamb curry to die for, and it was indeed a satisfying portion. However, it did not come with naan nor rice, which had to be bought separately (I received a single naan for ~£2). Based on tradition, one would assume a curry would always be presented with one of the two. They can afford to be pricey because even at 8pm on a random Thursday evening, they were fairly busy. I am happy that I came here, as the flavors and freshness were well...

Just a Saturday 7th Oct day trip of six family members visiting Pickering while we stayed at the nearby Forest Holiday's lodges at Keldy. Our intention was to have an evening dinner at the Black Bull, just round the corner, but it was fully booked. We had already passed the Spice 4 U, and all had commented on the gorgeous aroma eminating from within. It was packed to the rafters inside with diners, plus we had two dogs, so as it was 7:30ish we decided to order online and take the meals back to our lodge. It took about an hour from ordering to receiving the meals, so we called into the White Swan pub for a cool beer etc while we waited. it took a little longer having to wait than initially advised, but I suppose it was understandable with so many diners, however once we got back to our lodge and opened up the well presented takeaway boxes, we were not disappointed. We had six meals, naan breads, bhajis, salads etc, all cooked to perfection, all delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant, and without naming names, we happened to see going in, a well known local TV celebrity, so I presume if its good enough for them, it must be highly commendable. Thank you Spice 4 U for our delicious meals, and would definitely consider again, should...