Andrew G. T
Google
The Great Eastern: A Dimly Lit Dilemma
The Great Eastern presents itself as a gastropub, but in reality, it leans more heavily towards the restaurant experience. Stepping inside, you're immediately enveloped in a dimly lit, almost cavernous space dominated by dark wood. It's atmospheric, perhaps, but not exactly bright and airy. One thing to note: some of the high-top tables are alarmingly wobbly – definitely avoid these if you value the structural integrity of your meal.
Adding another layer to the experience, The Great Eastern is pet-friendly. While this will be a plus for some, be prepared for the potential symphony of barks, squeals, and general canine exuberance that might accompany your dining experience. It certainly adds character, though perhaps not the kind everyone seeks in a relaxed meal.
Conveniently, parking is available outside and adjacent to the restaurant. However, be aware that daytime parking incurs a fee. Free parking is generally available after 18:30 or 19:00 (check local signage). Alternatively, it's a 13-minute walk from Archway station or an 8-minute stroll from Holloway Road Overground station.
Now, let's talk about the food. My culinary journey began with the Chili-Mango Lotus Crisps & Okra. They were pleasant enough, offering a nice crunch and a touch of spice, but nothing particularly groundbreaking compared to similar offerings at other Indian restaurants.
The Chicken Pot Stickers (dumplings) were unremarkable – clearly not made in-house and lacking any distinctive flavour.
For the main course, I opted for the TGI's Butter Chicken (Tandoor Chicken). It was a decent rendition, but lacked the rich, buttery depth and complex flavour profile of a truly exceptional Butter Chicken (think Gymkhana's version). I had hoped to try the Poussin Butter Chicken, but it was unfortunately sold out.
The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the Degh Dal Makhani. The 48-hour soaking and marination process clearly paid off, resulting in a creamy, flavourful, and deeply satisfying lentil dish. Highly recommended.
Unfortunately, the Butter Parantha was a bit of a letdown. It wasn't flaky or buttery enough for my liking. The Steamed Rice was, well, steamed rice – plain and unspiced.
Service started off slow, requiring some effort to flag down a host. However, a gentleman named Othman stepped in and provided excellent service for the remainder of my meal. A special shout-out to him – he deserves recognition for turning the experience around.
Would I recommend a second visit? I'm on the fence. Perhaps with a group, or to explore other dishes on the menu. The pricing is in line with other Indian restaurants in the area.
In short, The Great Eastern offers a mixed bag. The Dal Makhani is a must-try, but other dishes fell short. The ambiance is dark and moody, the pet-friendly policy is a double-edged sword, and the wobbly high-top tables are a definite no-go. If you're in the area and craving Indian food, it's worth considering, but manage your expectations and hope you get Othman as your server.
