Fed up with too many over-priced meals billed as ‘progressive Indian’ in central London? Then head to Kingsbury, just beyond Wembley for one of the most satisfying curry experiences in town. Club Marina may not be much to look at from the outside, but the food is some of the best in this style of cuisine that can be found. The restaurant has been going strong for almost 20 years, cooking Guajarati-influenced food, all homemade from long-standing and clearly well-proven recipes. A friend who lives locally invited me to visit and to sample. To eat is to believe. The intensity and depth of flavour of the dishes enjoyed here is second to none; a process of more art than science, combing spices to create harmonies. If you want authenticity, then come here. Whether it was lamb, chicken or prawn, there were no failures (and the prawns, cooked in a rich spinach and coriander sauce particularly stood out). Vegetable side dishes were prepared with a similar degree of panache. With cooking this good, you can easily overlook the décor. There is a nautical nod in deference to the venue’s name, with ship’s wheels and fish sculptures decorating the walls, but expect also bright lighting and the relentless chatter of Sky Sports from the multiple TVs. When we arrived at about 7pm on a weekday night, the place was almost empty and devoid of atmosphere, yet it rapidly filled up. At weekends, there is apparently sometimes even a wait to get in. Wise locals are onto just how good the place is. They’re also canny, since it is possible to eat and drink incredibly well here for £20-30/head all-in. Make the journey; it’s less than 30 minutes on the underground from central London.
Club Marina: Join the club