Shampan at the Spinning Wheel
Famed throughout Kent and beyond for its superlative food and hospitality, the contemporary Shampan at the Spinning Wheel in Westerham was a place we just couldn’t wait to visit. With a menu lovingly created with authentic flavours from the rich culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent, dazzling interiors and a buzzing atmosphere, Shampan at the Spinning Wheel is truly a destination restaurant.
Whether you choose a lounge table for a few bottles of bubbly, fabulous cocktails and sharing platters, or reserve a private room for a business lunch or family get together, Shampan will not fail to impress.
Having won another leading accolade with a top award at the British Curry Awards 2015 for the Best in the South East, this was Shampan’s 5th award with previous years’ wins in Best Newcomer and Outer London Suburbs.
Entering the stylishly decorated restaurant to a genuinely warm welcome, it was clear to see that no expense had been spared on the décor. Mood lighting and luxurious wall tiles complimented the dark wooden features, and provided a fresh yet cosy backdrop to the clusters of tables and booths that can cater for intimate dates to large parties.
Soon after taking our seats, my guests and I were served a basket of mixed poppadoms and chutneys while we perused the extensive menu. We decided the best approach was to pick a different starter each so we could all get a chance to dive into the table’s offerings. We enjoyed dishes of griddle-seared king scallops, cumin peas, cauliflower purée, a chicken tikka and large grilled freshwater king prawns with smoked garlic and dill leaves. Presentation and taste of each were divine!
Main courses took slightly longer than anticipated to choose, with the fine dining options looking very appealing, paired with the lure of traditional dishes like a korma and vindaloo. I decided to order from the à la carte menu and asked for the slow braised leg of Kentish lamb ‘salli’ with straw potatoes and biryani rice. The lamb was baked in its jus, tenderly served resting on fried onions, lamb mince and aromatic spiced sauce.
Also from the à la carte menu, my guest (a massive fish lover) went for the seared haddock with a ginger and coconut sauce and coconut rice. The fillets garnished with crab meat and kokum spices, drizzled with a fresh ginger and coconut sauce with a hint of chilli, were simply perfect.
The final dish to arrive at the table was the Punjabi red spiced chicken breast with sautéed spinach. The Tandoori chicken breast was marinated in sweet Kashmiri chilli, served with a slow-cooked tomato and fenugreek sauce. With side dishes of saag aloo, mushroom rice and garlic naan, the meal was now underway.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another thing, out came the dessert menu. We couldn’t resist sharing the chocolate samosa served with vanilla ice cream (truly delectable), washed down with coffee and orange-flavoured Shampan chocolates.
You can see why Shampan continues to pick up award after award and is firmly on the Kent eateries map!
Shampan at the Spinning Wheel
Grays Road
Westerham
TN16 2HX
01959 572622
info@shampangroup.com
www.shampangroup.com
