Okay. The SO and I are on staycation in deepest, rural Hampshire for the summer hols. Usually abroad but Covid has somewhat kyboshed that. No matter. This part of rural England is gorgeous. It is so peaceful. It's a 2 mile walk to the nearest village, and Indian restaurant, it transpires.
The Shapla (60 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU) is not haute cuisine. It is not fine dining. It is a mid-standard "Indian". Two or three a penny in towns and cities up and down the country. We've been twice in less than one week.
But, the food is done well. It is tasty. It is succulent. The tandoori offerings are sweet with a mild hint of burnt. The king prawn pathia is the possibly the best I have ever had. The pilau portion was generous. Soft, fluffy rice. The first time side dish we had sag aloo which was pleasant even if a little moist. Second time was a thick, warm tarka dhal. Yum. Garlic bread was good quality, light but with a hint of crisp. The service is brisk but not impersonal. They are efficient!
Downsides? Two. The first is the cost: £60 for 2 - starters, mains, drinks. It's just a hint on the steep side but thankfully no added gratuity "for your convenience". The second is the starters. Not bad, not good, they just are. The mains are sufficiently fine and generous to obviate the need for starters.
The SO, who is usually a better judge of things than me, said to the manager on the way out "we'll be seeing you soon". Indeed we shall.
