Shamrat — Restaurant in Maidstone

I feel I must, firstly, contextualise my service rating: I felt that the waiters (as affable and accommodating as they were) were far too fussing, in that they were constantly hovering and must have come into our alcove 20-30 times during the duration of our meal, just to see if any of our party had finished a plate for them to take away. In the main, you just want to have your meal without interruption and without having to constantly move out of the way of waiters clearing up around you (different members finish eating at different times, and so if you don't wait 'til EVERYBODY has finished, before clearing away dishes, that way, you avoid interrupting the meal several times). In addition to this, we were asked about about our wine glasses by 3 or 4 different waiters, who each seemed determined to take them away from us, despite us telling the original chap that we wish to keep them for wine for after we'd ordered.

This all aside (as minor as it was) the service we received was otherwise excellent: the waiters were accommodating, personable and happy. Every single one of our party complimented the cuisine, for its flavour and quality (something that Shamrat is locally known for)...the quantity of meat was very generous too; napkins, menus and wine glasses were of that 'cut above' standard you would expect for such a fine dining establishment as this. Add to this, a fully stocked bar and a buzzing atmosphere, and 'Shamrat' has to be the best place to have a curry in Maidstone.

p.s. I mean DUCK? How many places can you opt...

We booked for 9pm. Arrived a little early and still had to wait until gone 9.25pm in a very crampt bar area to be seated. The waiters kept pushing us out of the way with no, excuse me or please, to get to the bar to get drinks for customers. Thought we were being offered a drink as our table wasn't ready but realised our mistake when we got asked if we wanted to start a tab. Drinks seemed a bit pricey with three lime and sodas at 11.95 when a 750ml bottle of sparkling water is only 3.95 on the menu. We were seated at a table that was squeezed into a tight space with two seats in the corridor, right next to a noisy service location with waiters banging and crashing. Very quickly got poppadoms and chutneys but the chutney portions were smaller than other restaurants have been too. The waiter came to take the order very efficiently if a little offhandedly using an ipad. The food arrived but again portion size was small and my paneer shashlick looked anaemic and had clearly never seen a flame and was devoid of flavour. The main dishes came out and were edible if a little insipid. Portion sizes again were small but assumed as we appeared to be last diners of the evening they couldn't afford to cook more and waste it. We have been to the shamrat in the past and it's not the same as I remembered. Maybe it was the time of day but small portions, an unwelcoming and offhand service with over priced drinks and insipid food will not make me rush back or recommend it to...

We had a lovely lunch (31/05/23). Staff were very helpful and friendly, 4 people dining.

Food was absolutely amazing, our starters of salmon del, tempura prawns and samosa (veg) were cooked to perfection and quite tasty. Our mains of chicken korma for 1 with plain rice was just the right heat for a 1st time diner, the duck and chicken jel frazie were quite heat hot, but totally enjoyed along with the lemon rice. Our dessert of banoffee and chocolate samosa finished off a lovely lunch. Brilliant portions too.

Service was prompt, drink choices good. Waiters regularly checked to see if everything was okay with our courses. Must say the salad on the starters was absolutely fresh and very tasty (not like some establishments where they use pre-packed salad leaves yuk).

Heated lemon towel a good addition after mains to freshen up our hands.

Would I recommend dining here? Absolutely 💯 I would.

Thank you everyone on duty on our visit 💯 Service from you all.

Only gave 3 stars for atmosphere as we were the only diners for lunch.

Can imagine a 4/5 star rating if busy, as our friends son regularly dines here and he recommended that we booked in advance due to how busy they normally are when he visits in the evening. Very glad he recommended dining here.

The offer of a drink at the end of meal was very much appreciated but sadly we were driving so...