Review – Everest Spice

If you’re looking for something beyond the familiar favourites found on most Indian restaurant menus, then Everest Spice in Epsom deserves a place on your list. Now under new management and boasting an exciting new menu, the restaurant has embraced the rich culinary traditions of the Himalayan region, combining authentic Indian flavours with Indo-Chinese influences to create a dining experience that is both distinctive and memorable.

Located in the heart of Epsom Square, Everest Spice has undergone more than just a menu refresh. The contemporary interior features cool lighting complemented by vibrant splashes of colour, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels modern yet relaxed. Whether you’re visiting for a family meal, a catch-up with friends or a special occasion, the surroundings immediately set the tone for an enjoyable evening.

Everest Spice

Everest SpiceWe began our meal with a selection of traditional street food dishes that perfectly showcased the restaurant’s adventurous approach. The Chaat Papdi and Aloo Tikki were bursting with flavour, balancing sweet, tangy and savoury notes with impressive freshness. A real highlight, however, was the Pani Puri. These delicate, crisp shells are filled before being topped with a refreshing coriander-infused tangy water, creating an explosion of flavour in every bite. It’s an interactive and fun dish that many diners may be trying for the first time, but it’s one that’s well worth ordering.

Everest Spice

While the menu still features some much-loved Indian classics, it’s the regional specialities that really set Everest Spice apart. There are plenty of opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, with a wide selection of Himalayan-inspired rice and noodle dishes alongside traditional curries. It’s refreshing to find a restaurant that encourages diners to explore flavours they may not have experienced before.

Everest SpiceFor the main course, the Malabar Fish was exceptional. The sauce had a rich, smoky depth that was full of flavour without being overpoweringly spicy. It shared the creamy comfort of a korma but with a little more warmth and complexity, allowing the delicate fish to remain the star of the dish. Every mouthful was beautifully balanced, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to try something different without venturing into overly fiery territory.

Equally impressive was the Rajasthani Laal Maas. Choosing the medium spice level proved to be the perfect decision. The lamb was wonderfully tender, falling apart with the lightest touch, while the sauce delivered layers of warming spice and tangy richness that lingered pleasantly long after each bite. As someone who would usually opt for a Chicken Tikka Masala, this offered a welcome change, providing more depth and character whilst remaining approachable for those who enjoy a little extra heat without overwhelming intensity.

Portion sizes are generous throughout, offering excellent value for money. In fact, despite being tempted by the dessert menu, we simply couldn’t find room after such a satisfying meal. Interestingly, apart from the familiar brownie, the desserts continue the Himalayan theme, offering diners another opportunity to experience authentic regional flavours.

Everest Spice isn’t trying to be just another Indian restaurant, and that’s precisely what makes it stand out. The combination of authentic Himalayan cuisine, Indo-Chinese influences and attentive presentation creates a dining experience that’s refreshingly different from the norm. While some traditional favourites remain available, the menu rewards those willing to be a little adventurous.

Whether you’re already a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to discover something new, Everest Spice delivers on every level. Excellent food, welcoming surroundings and a menu packed with unique regional specialities make this one of Epsom’s most exciting dining destinations. It’s a restaurant that invites you to explore new flavours, and after one visit, you’ll almost certainly be planning your return. Everest SpiceWe would like to thank the owner and the entire team at Everest Spice for a truly memorable dining experience. Their passion for the food was evident throughout the evening, and their in-depth knowledge of the menu made choosing from the wide range of dishes a pleasure. Taking the time to understand our personal tastes and recommend dishes accordingly was a thoughtful touch. Encouraged to step outside my usual comfort zone, I discovered flavours and dishes I might never have ordered otherwise—and I’m delighted I did. It was a recommendation that certainly paid off.
For More Details or To Book Visit Everest Spice
   

Review – The Victoria Pie Club

We were invited to experience Thursday night Pie Club at 3 AA Rosette pub The Victoria, and it’s safe to say this is no ordinary pie and mash—this is a more refined, indulgent take that’s absolutely worth seeking out.

Set along Oxshott High Street, the pub blends a cosy country charm with a modern touch. It’s dog-friendly, relaxed, and instantly welcoming, with a warm atmosphere that’s matched by genuinely attentive and friendly staff who make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

The Victoria Pie ClubThe Pie Club menu keeps things simple, offering a choice of two freshly made pies, each cooked to order. There’s a short wait of around 20–25 minutes, but the quality more than justifies the patience. We went with the Steak and Guinness Pie which had a bone in the middle with melting butter and marrow bone. The pie is served with creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables, and a generous helping of parsley liquor, creating a comforting yet elevated dish.

The Victoria Pie Club

The pastry is a standout—light, crisp, and golden—while the filling truly steals the show. The steak is beautifully tender, melting in the mouth, and the pies are generously packed with rich, flavourful filling. There’s no skimping here.

We were initially unsure about sharing a pie between two, but any doubts quickly disappeared once the food arrived. The portions are impressively generous, and by the end of the meal, we were both completely satisfied.

The Victoria Pie ClubAt £70 for two—including a 500ml carafe of Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon (or the option to swap for individual 250ml glasses or a pint of Victoria Lager or Victoria Hazy IPA)—it represents excellent value for the quality and experience on offer.

All in all, Pie Club at The Victoria delivers a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience: comforting food done exceptionally well, generous portions, and a welcoming pub atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a return visit.

THE VICTORIA, OXSHOTT WEBSITE 

Review – Colombo Kitchen

At the top of Worcester Park Central Road is the Colombo Kitchen, which offers a vibrant introduction to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine — perfect for anyone like me trying it for the very first time.

colombo kitchenWe started with a sharing platter. This consisted of 2 Vadai, a spiced, doughnut-shaped fritters served with creamy coconut sambal, 2 fish cutlets, a spicy breaded croquette, 2 mutton rolls, a fried savoury crepe roll with a spicy, juicy mutton filling and 2 fish Pattis, a spicy empanada with fish filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust

Colombo KitchenWith this, we tried a traditional Sri Lankan street food dish egg hoppers,  The hoppers were particularly interesting: delicate bowl-shaped pancakes served with fried onion, coconut and a fiery raw onion and chilli relish that certainly wakes up the taste buds. This was a great way to sample a range of flavours.

 

Colombo KitchenFor mains we chose the king prawn curry, a dish inspired by the chef’s  home town, perfectly cooked prawns in a mildly spiced fragrant, creamy coconut curry and Negombo black pork, A traditional curry made with Negombo dark roast curry powder. These were accompanied by saffron rice and rotti. The restaurant allows you to choose your spice level, and I opted for a medium — what they describe as “English spicy.” Even at this level, the black pork delivered a wonderful tangy heat that lingered pleasantly.

Colombo KitchenOne of the highlights of the visit was the live kitchen visible from the restaurant area, which adds a sense of theatre and excitement as you watch the dishes being freshly prepared.

Service was excellent throughout. We weren’t entirely sure what to order, but the manager, Dinuka, was incredibly helpful and guided us to the perfect choices. His recommendations were spot on.

The restaurant itself strikes a nice balance in atmosphere — very clean, comfortably lit (not dark, but not overly bright) and with a relaxed, welcoming feel.

Portion sizes are generous. In fact, we found that one portion of rice was more than enough for the two of us.

There’s also a selection of traditional Sri Lankan desserts on the menu for those wanting to complete the experience, but we were full.

Overall, Colombo Kitchen is a fantastic place to discover the bold, aromatic flavours of Sri Lanka, delivered with friendly service and a lively atmosphere. A great choice whether you’re already a fan of Sri Lankan cuisine or trying it for the first time. Takeaway deliveries are also available.

For More Details or To Book Click Here Colombo Kitchen