Abids, Pudsey (February 2014)

The build up for February's club had some of the best banter to date, including some pictures defaced with 'cock and balls', good enough to rival those found in many an edition of Tricolore, plus some Curry Club tweets with none other than Keith Lemon. So morale was high as we embarked upon the outskirts of Pudsey for Scott's instalment of the club. Pre-curry drinks kicked off in Oddfellows, with fine ales consumed over Royal Rumble discussions.

Too many ales for country gent Lister

A cheeky nod to the cackling women in the corner who had obviously been enjoying a few bottles of chardonnay since noon, and it was on to the Great Northern. More ales while bellyaching about our better halves as Steven Seagal's latest 'straight to TV - beat everybody up for kidnapping a family member' film played in the background. Then on to the final pub, The Crown. A completely empty pub meant we had the run of the place and with its pool table and sofas, it had more of a sixth form common room feel than a boozer - apart from the dodgy Stars In Their Eyes stage. The game of 'killer' pool was set up as the bar manager, sharply dressed in shirt and tie, poured the drinks before returning to watch Clint Eastwood on the big screen. Lady luck was certainly shining upon Scott & Vinny for killer, with Scott's frequent, debatably intentional doubles and Vinny's ability to sink 3 balls with only 2 shots. The inevitable rage from Temple followed, with calls of corruption in the game. The bar manager since lost interest with Eastwood and decided our game of pool was much more entertaining. As time ticked on, we needed to be restaurant bound, so the pool sped up to 'Big Break' proportions, prompting some theme tune singing from the group. Seizing the opportunity, the bar manager came from behind the bar to not only reveal he was wearing leather trousers, but also his psychic ability as his TV themes CD was plugged in and ready to go! Within 5 seconds the speaker system had Big Break playing. Brilliant host…….leather trousers aside. Time for some food across the road at Abids.

Abids, Stanningley, nr Pudsey

Excellent Tandoori Tikka

The club was greeted and escorted to the 1950's style leather booth to order food and drinks as our dining table was prepared. Chicken Hyderabadi, Makhani, Madras and Lamb Tandoori Tikka were amongst the dishes ordered and so it was time to move to the main table. In modern looking surroundings, the mixed starters arrive, sizzling away with the two standard mix and one fish mix providing plenty to share amongst the 8 men. And tasty they were too, the fish a highlight and there was also a surprising love for the bed of sizzled onions on which they sat. Onto the mains and again, the food was very tasty indeed with all the group thoroughly enjoying their chosen dishes - although the Makhani was perhaps a tad too sweet. However, as this is a notoriously sweet dish it cannot be chalked up to the restaurant. A mention must go to the Lamb Tandoori Tikka, which was presented on a sizzler (with more delicious onions, mmm) but with an a accompanying dish of sauce and proved to be superb. Both a positive and negative for the family naan bread however as it was so fresh, it literally couldn't stay on the 'metal tree' type stand due to the heat and folded like a bad poker player. Time for the bill, which came along with some After Eight mints. These were devoured and the timeless classic gag of offering empty wrappers to people ensued. The waiters were even kind enough to adhere to our request for another batch. Coming in at £150 all in for eight diners is well within normal curry club budget. Seemingly though Abids downfall is in the 'gas factor' department, causing 'spare room' scenarios and very early morning toilet visits for most of its members. Roll on March, but before we do……1,2,3,4:-

It's only a game so put up a real good fight,

I'm gonna be snookering you tonight.

I'm famed for my aim so you better believe I'm right,

I'm gonna be snookering you, snookering you tonight.

BIG BREAK

Snookering you, snookering you tonight!

Cheers

Danny