Topic
Topic ID 725
13/06/2005 by Dude
The Hot House
I re-discovered the Hot House on Saturday night. I made my mind up I wanted an indian meal, but everywhere seemed full, so I decided to try the Hot House for the first time on a few years.
I was nicely suprised. The old English & Indian menu has gone in favour of full indian.
Food quality - 4 out of 5. Compared to the prices, they did a great job. Seemed fairly fresh, and they gave plenty of it. I had Lamb, which a lot of places overcook, but it was lovely and tender. It wasn't the best indian food in the world, but when you couple it with the price, its a outright bargain.
Service - 4 out of 5. Fantastic, but as there were so few people in there, It might get a 1 out of 5 when it is busy!
Atmosphere - 2 out of 5. It was dead, but in some ways this was nice. No shouting yobs, and smoke free (they do have a smoking section). It was nice to see a bunch of teenagers having a curry in there on a saturday night too. Much better behaved that my own 30 something brigades! New floor and furniture has helped take it a little more upmarket.
Facilities - 2 out of 10. It had toilets that worked. thats about it. No good for disabled as its on the first floor with no lift.
Value for Money - 5 out of 5 - Excellent value. Big portions, well cooked, and for less than any other indian in town. two of us ate for £32 (no dessert) which was great.
Summary. Don't go here to be bowled over, but do go here for the friendliest Indian in town, in a peaceful setting. Value for money is the name of the game, and at that, it excels.
Replies
Reply ID 7549
13/06/2005 by Joby
Couldn't agree more, Dude. The Hot House is now the only Indian I visit in Hertford, I am now known by name in there (actually, not sure whether this is good or bad....) My parents also insist on going there every time they come down from Sheffield.
When the place is full there is a great atmosphere. However, it's generally not too busy and as a result we usually decide last minute to go there as you don't have to book.
They do happy hours during the week where all food ordered before 8pm (I think) is half price - a true bargain if you get home from work and can't be arsed to cook.
Reply ID 7873
22/06/2005 by wizkid
That's an idea, I think I might go there tonight. I think the food is very good. Has anyone tried the stuffed peppers? They're great, and I do not know any other Indian Restaurant that does these[:)]
Reply ID 15734
25/01/2006 by Steve
Visited The Hot House this evening. Best description would be "Adequate".
My Chicken Rogan Josh wasn't very warm when it arrived. On the menu it was described as "Medium" but was in fact milder than any mild curry I've tasted. Spicy yes, but I wondered if they'd run out of chillis!
Food quality - 3 out of 5.
Service - 4 out of 5.
Atmosphere - 2 out of 5.
Value for Money - 3 out of 5
Reply ID 15735
25/01/2006 by justin
rhe hot house probably wont be around much longer as its for sale.
Reply ID 15740
26/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow
quote:
Originally posted by justin
the hot house probably wont be around much longer as its for sale.
B****r! The Hothouse is my preferred Indian in town. They're always very courteous, the food is well prepared and of a good variety, you don't have to book, it's not full of loud gobby types and one can have a decent coversation over the music (interpret that one how you will!) it's also on the right side of town for going home afterwards.
Where on earth are we going to go now?![:0] Don't like the Shahenshah - expensive and shiny atmosphere; not fond of Bollywoods - brusque and feel marched out the door; Bismillah's a takeaway (sadly, but their mediums are blistering!) and after a late night laziness washes over so a walk to the Raj is a long way without the promise of a table. <sigh> [xx(]
I shall have to drag P there this weekend to get the low down and have a go at bullying them into not selling...![:)]
Reply ID 15748
26/01/2006 by Joby
quote:
Originally posted by farrowandfarrow
quote:
Originally posted by justin
the hot house probably wont be around much longer as its for sale.
B****r! The Hothouse is my preferred Indian in town. They're always very courteous, the food is well prepared and of a good variety, you don't have to book, it's not full of loud gobby types and one can have a decent coversation over the music (interpret that one how you will!) it's also on the right side of town for going home afterwards.
Where on earth are we going to go now?![:0] Don't like the Shahenshah - expensive and shiny atmosphere; not fond of Bollywoods - brusque and feel marched out the door; Bismillah's a takeaway (sadly, but their mediums are blistering!) and after a late night laziness washes over so a walk to the Raj is a long way without the promise of a table. <sigh> [xx(]
I shall have to drag P there this weekend to get the low down and have a go at bullying them into not selling...![:)]
Bugger indeed! Sounds like I need to nip down for a final tandoori king prawn before it closes.....
Reply ID 15749
26/01/2006 by Pinny
quote:
Originally posted by farrowandfarrow
[quote]Originally posted by justin
the hot house probably wont be around much longer as its for sale.
B****r! The Hothouse is my preferred Indian in town. They're always very courteous, the food is well prepared and of a good variety, you don't have to book, it's not full of loud gobby types and one can have a decent coversation over the music (interpret that one how you will!) it's also on the right side of town for going home afterwards.
Where on earth are we going to go now?![:0] Don't like the Shahenshah - expensive and shiny atmosphere; not fond of Bollywoods - brusque and feel marched out the door; Bismillah's a takeaway (sadly, but their mediums are blistering!) and after a late night laziness washes over so a walk to the Raj is a long way without the promise of a table. <sigh> [xx(]
I shall have to drag P there this weekend to get the low down and have a go at bullying them into not selling...![:)]
There is always the Tikka Cottage, one of my favourite Indians in town.
Reply ID 15753
26/01/2006 by Sister
dito
Reply ID 15757
26/01/2006 by farrowandfarrow
Tikka cottage - been there once and hazily remember enjoying it. Must give it another go.
Hang on - we got a take-away menu from Hot House through the door the other day - are they changing tack or is it a last minute marketing push to get some more business?
In the meantime I think there will be a few forum members dining there over the next few weeks. Same old story, threat of closure brings the regulars in en masse for the farewell meal. <sigh>
Reply ID 15758
26/01/2006 by alison
Tika Cottage I think recently 'changed hands' - food a little hit and miss since then
Reply ID 15759
26/01/2006 by Wrapper
Tikka Cottage is bombaytastic!!!
Reply ID 15760
26/01/2006 by alison
ok - will try again (and again) [:)]
Reply ID 19092
16/05/2006 by wizkid
Had a meal at the Hot House last night. Absolutely excellent and terrific value for money.
The place was empty..... I cannot understand why... I have never had a bad meal here, I strongly recommend it[:)]
Reply ID 19093
16/05/2006 by farrowandfarrow
quote:
Originally posted by wizkid
Had a meal at the Hot House last night. Absolutely excellent and terrific value for money.
The place was empty..... I cannot understand why...
It may have something to do with the fact that you have to know where it is to find it and it's not as flash as the high-street indian restaurants. Personally, I like all this. It means that the only drunken diners are a bit older and less rowdy so everone can enjoy their very good meal in peace. The service has always been superb.
If you're up for dining early, I believe they have a half price offer Mondays to Thursdays if you get in before 8pm.
Reply ID 19123
17/05/2006 by Dude
Does anyone know if The hot house sold?
Reply ID 19127
17/05/2006 by wizkid
According to the waiter, it is still owned by the same people and hadn't sold.
Reply ID 19131
17/05/2006 by Dude
I hope the head waiter keeps it (the bald one). He gives fantastic service.
Reply ID 19142
18/05/2006 by wizkid
I agree, that makes all the difference
Reply ID 19163
19/05/2006 by Sister
We had a great meal in there a few nights ago-been there twice before (a long time ago) will def. go back. Very impressed with prices, especially take away ones!
Reply ID 19424
05/06/2006 by tulip
We had another great meal in the hot house on saturday night, as allways fantastic service, great food and resonably priced.
I did ask the head waiter about the Hot House being sold and I was reassured that it will not be closing down !!!
Reply ID 19435
05/06/2006 by Rooster
quote:
Originally posted by tulip
We had another great meal in the hot house on saturday night, as allways fantastic service, great food and resonably priced.
I did ask the head waiter about the Hot House being sold and I was reassured that it will not be closing down !!!
Does that mean it has been sold, or not??
Reply ID 19460
06/06/2006 by tulip
After a lot of questioning he would not really answer me and was a bit cagey ! all he would say is that the restaurant is not closing down.
Reply ID 19708
13/06/2006 by Andrew
Had a very pleasant family meal there last Friday. Food is not especially well spiced but perfectly acceptable. Service was friendly.
24 replies