Middlesbrough
Jolsha

Jolsha

1 Marton Estate Square, TS7 0NB, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Full • Meat • Indian • Drinks


"I started off on here, prior to making a reservation at Jolsha, by reading the reviews on the restaurant and noticed the amount of positive/excellent reviews but as always, I opted to read the negative reviews first from 1 and 2 stars. They highlight what to look out for and are critical but the majority are from the COVID era of 2020 to 2022. Very few are from 2023 and the present day, which most of which are positive of 4 and 5 stars ratings. Well my review is another 5 stars rating. I went with my girlfriend for an 8pm reservation to the Marton restaurant but turned up at 7:50pm and we were shown to a window table with an open window. As it turns out, a welcome addition for the meal we were to have. The restaurant wasn 't busy per say, but there were a number of customers at tables and a large party at one of the tables. We were tended to pretty much immediately with Poppadoms and 5 selections of dips: Raiti, Lime Chutney, Mango Chutney, Onions and Tomato and Tamarind Sauce, which I commented tasted like a Bombay Bad Boy Pot Noodle. I got a Kingfisher draught beer and my girlfriend got a Kopperburg Mixed Fruit which arrived shortly after the poppadoms and dips came. My usual go-to Chicken Vindaloo was replaced by Chicken Tikka Jublly, with Garlic Pilau with added Green Chillies and the usual Keema Nan. My girlfriend ordered a Chicken Tikka Rogan Josh, Mushroom Pilau and Garlic Nan. The poppadoms and dips went down well with the lime chutney being completely eaten, which was eased with the raiti. The onions and tomato was mainly left untouched, but purely a personal choice. As for the main course, the chicken tikka jublly on the cast iron skillet, which was still bubbling when it was served to me was fantastic and the garlic chilli pilau, just wow! That certainly raised the heat factor of the food. That open window and the breeze was a godsend! The keema nan was tasty and soft to eat. The meal itself, I just managed to finish off as it was very filling, tasty and satisfying. However, I did 'doggy bag ' 2 slices of my keema nan as I was 'full to bust '. My girlfriend was beaten by the amount of food but she was very happy with her meal as well. Parking outside Jolsha was limited to 2 hours but with an app, this time could be extended but from getting in at around 8pm, we were finished for 9pm, but I must add, we were still offered another drink at the end of our meal and at no point did we feel we were being rushed or likewise, ignored by waiter staff. My final thoughts, about never having visited Jolsha before, despite it being walking distance from home were mixed. I 'd left it this long but it appears that after it was first opened, the reviews and feedback wasn 't great so not visiting until this point, maybe the quality of the food and service has dramatically improved, which, to be honest, a bad restaurant experience affects your opinion on returning again. but I can safely say, as they also offer a takeaway as well as the dine-in meal, this will be my go-to for Indian food in the future."

The Buck Inn

The Buck Inn

Main Road, Chop Gate A172, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Fish • Steak • Coffee • Breakfast


"Visited The Buck Inn following a lovely long walk around North York Moor surrounding Chop Gate. Being rather thirsty and thinking a local pub might be grateful of some business following the covid restrictions, my partner and I decided to drop in for a drink.We were met by a lot of covid non sense demanding mask wearing etc, despite the fact all this ended in July and it is now choice, not law. Posters everywhere and a big Perspex screen across the bar. Not very inviting.However, we respected the wishes on this occasion and obliged in mask wearing. Drinks were ordered and an enquiry made about food which we were rudely told “Don’t serve food till 5:30 pal”. Another couple came in and immediately told to don a mask. They then did this but the bar man couldn’t tell what they were saying. Hmmmmmm. Not overly impressed by the way he spoke to other customers.Due to the pandemic I rarely carry cash anymore as it’s become an unwanted tender. But surprise surprise, it’s a minimum of £10 payment on card. So with no desserts available until 5:30, we ordered coffee to get to the £10.My partner was rudely told again that these couldn’t be take out and that there was no chance of a mocha, despite it being on the menu! I begrudgingly paid the barman and left.A shame this visit didn’t go well as I’ve heard the food was very nice, but if walking in the area I suggest people do themselves a favour and just get back in your car and find somewhere else for a drink and/or meal.No doubt ‘Helen B’ will be along shortly to tear this review to shreds as, from looking at other reviews, she cannot handle criticism."