What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than enjoying a lovely Indian feast with my curry loving daughter? That’s exactly what we did recently when we dined at the recently opened Purple Lounge in Walkden.
Based at the Ellesmere Retail Park in Walkden, I had checked the restaurant out beforehand to check on the parking situation and it turns out there was no need to worry. Based amongst retail outlets such as M&S Food and Aldi, it was genius idea to open a restaurant at the retail park… as there is more than ample parking right in front of the restaurant.
As expected Purple Lounge is very purple and the ambience of the restaurant is very calming and welcoming. With booths, pods and open dining area, each seating section offers an intimate dining experience, with the pods offering a VIP feel.
The restaurant is very family friendly and it was lovely to be handed a children’s menu, featuring reasonably priced kids favourites such as nuggets, fish fingers and massala and rice for those feeling slightly more adventurous.
Mini Me however does like to indulge in Indian food and was quite happy to order from the extensive menu. We are creatures of habit and despite so many mouthwatering options available, we did plump for what we would normally order.
What we ate:
Poppadums and tray (£0.75 each and £2.20 for the tray) – A great way to start the meal and to enjoy whilst perusing the menu. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the mango chutney, however I believe it was ‘super yummy’! The red sauce though, which I always associate as ‘the hot sauce’ was divine and the perfect level of fiery!
We know who go to enjoy the Mango Chutney!
Chicken Pakora (£3.75 for 5) – My absolute favourite Indian starter, to the point I sulk if I have to share them. This time I had to share them and now it appears Mini Me is a fan too! Delicious, succulent pieces of marinated chicken, coated and then deep fried… what is there not to love? The coating was a crispy treat giving way to tender chicken with each bite. I now have to share my pakora.
Meat Samosa (£3.25 for 2) – The samosa were very generously filled with spiced mincemeat and peas and each crispy bite was a delight for the taste buds. These were really filling and teamed with the pakora, I was wondering how we would fare with our main meals. I could have happily had another portion of the samosa… and the pakora!
Chicken Tikka Tandoori (£4.10 for a starter plate and £7.95 for a main meal) – This is Mini Me’s go to meal, combined with pilau rice… and the remaining Mango Chutney, however the staff were lovely and filled the pot up again! The skewered pieces of chicken marinated in tikka and cooked in a clay oven were tender and cooked to perfection and Mini Me was in her element. It is the perfect meal for her, though the main meal option offers more chunks of chicken and a vegetable curry sauce can be added for a further £2.50.
Lamb Saagwala (£8.95 from the Traditional section) – My go to curry and one that makes me feel as if I am choosing the healthy option due to a Saagwala containing so much spinach alongside tomatoes, onions and coriander. You can choose from a range of meats or vegetarian options to be cooked in the sauce, however I always plump for Lamb. The curry was really smooth and not greasy and the consistency was thick to the point you knew you were having a good feast. It was full of flavour and the spices really did complement the meat and vegetables. Coupled with pilau rice and the remains of the sauce tray (minus the mango chutney!), this was a meal of kings… to the point I needed to take half away home with me. The ability to take food home with you – the restaurant also has a takeaway option which is very handy!
Naan Bread (Plain £2.45 with other options available) – How gorgeous and fluffy does the Naan bread look? Well, it really was – complete with a crispy bottom from being cooked in a clay oven. It really was the perfect complement for the meal.
Purple Lounge is vibrant, with an intimate feel, yet you never feel like you are encroaching on any other diners. There really is so much space in the restaurant and even when busy, the service is still impeccable and nothing is to much trouble.
There is an additional dining area, which is perfect to be cordoned off if you ever wish to have a private party at the restaurant. The space can be transformed dependent on how many are dining and offers a little space away from the main restaurant section.
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Purple Lounge, the food was amazing and I only wish the restaurant were closer to home, especially with the takeaway option… however that would not be great for the diet! There is a lovely family feel to the restaurant, with special touches such as the Kid’s Menu and special ice creams with toys on the dessert menu. Yes, there truly is a dessert menu which features stunning looking ice creams… if you really can fit anything else in after a sumptuous feast!
The food is very reasonably priced, especially for a restaurant of such a high standard, however Purple Lounge offer something extra for diners during the week. Between Monday and Saturday from midday until 4pm, diners can enjoy a Special Lunch Menu for only £6.95 per person which includes a starter mix, main course (chicken tikka massala, vegetable curry and more) and a sundry (rice or naan). This is spectacular value and perfect if you work locally for a lunch with some bite and more substance than a sandwich! Even better, Kids eat free on a Sunday between midday and 4pm.
Click here if you fancy checking out the Purple Lounge Menu, whilst further information regarding the restaurant can be found on their site thepurplelounge.uk. Follow the restaurant over on Facebook for details on special offers and giveaways!
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