and foliage aplenty gave the space a quirky, inviting vibe while music added to the convivial atmosphere, alongside the large wooden tables and benches for communal dining. A bar stocked with prosecco, craft beers and plenty of soft drink options means you can enjoy a cheeky beverage or two while you dine. The set-up is a casual affair; simply pop to the counter and place your order, then take a buzzer which will beep when your food is ready to collect. We managed to grab a drink and a seat before our order was ready, not much more than five minutes later. As a huge fan of The English Indian’s signature fish and chips, my hubby stuck to what he knew - and he wasn’t disappointed. Beautifully firm fish in a crispy batter with a hint of spice, a pile of moreish chaat masala chips, unctuous Indian chip shop curry sauce and those delectable chilli and mint garden mushy peas are a match made in heaven. This is next-level fish and chips which delivers in spades on flavour. I’d heard good things about the new Kashmiri chicken burger and couldn’t resist eschewing my usual fish-and-halloumi combo for something different. And I was so pleased I did. The chicken was succulent and tender, in a delicious spiced coating, laden with poppadom, cheese, lettuce, red onion, sweet chilli, spicy mayo and coriander. It was a behemoth of a burger, spilling out of its brioche bun, and with an accompanying heap of chaat masala chips, it was a hearty meal indeed - although so tasty I polished it off in its entirety. I did miss those exceptional mushy peas - but for £1 extra you can order a portion on the side. Not wanting to miss out on the fried chicken, my husband also ordered a side portion of Kashmiri chicken strips, topped with spicy mayo, sweet chilli, red onion and coriander, which he found just delicious. It meant that I didn’t have to share my burger either, so a win all round. With vegetarian halloumi wedges and a vegan artichoke ‘vish’ option, the menu may be small, but it really does cater for everyone. And when it comes to delivering on dietary requirements, one of the other attractions of The English Indian is that their entire menu - with the sole exception of their pop-up special, that Brummie favourite the chicken balti pie - is entirely, and most often naturally, gluten-free. The pakora batter which coats the fish, artichoke and halloumi wedges is made - as traditional Indian pakoras are - using chickpea-based flour, while the new Kashmiri chicken burger boasts a gluten-free breading and a specially-sourced gluten-free brioche bun. I’ve got several friends with gluten intolerances, and being able to eat from the same menu without compromises is a rare treat - while as a non-gluten-free diner, I noticed absolutely no difference in taste. In fact, as we arrived at the pop-up, one of my gluten-free friends was just leaving, over the moon at finally having found a fully gluten-free chicken burger of such deliciousness and quality. The English Indian’s monthly pop-ups are currently scheduled to run in February, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10, and March, again on Friday 9 and Saturday 10, after which festival season kicks back in, taking the team all over the country once more. So if you haven’t already paid them a visit on their Lichfield home turf, the time is now. 30 www.jaimemagazine.com
THAI-M FOR LUNCH? Discover our lunch menu with tasty tapas sets from £11.95 plus lighter bites, noodles and more! All day menu, takeaway and delivery also available. Book a table on www.gigglingsquid.com Find us at 9 Mulberry Walk, Mere Green, B75 5BS meregreen@gigglingsquid.com / 0121 817 1777 @gigglingsquid www.gigglingsquid.com
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