Rajput Cross & Bowling Green in Birmingham

Prior to Saturday 26 February 2022, I made a group booking for 7.30 pm for party of 12 friends. having even spoken to the manager on the night before. On my arrival at 7.15pm - no attempt had been made to set up the table for this party size - they were all set as separate small tables so as our friends were already arriving - and no one was even setting about doing this we did it ourselves. We have used this venue soooo many times but were not aware of a change of hands in recent weeks. How I wish that I had known. No heating, no wood for the open fire, our friends were sitting with their coats on - terribly slow service, no gin for tonic!! only one bottle of house wine, an hour to get poppadums then almost another hour for starters finally getting mains after 10pm. Constant moans to us about how busy and short staffed they were yet they knew they had a party of 12 booked in - never mind any other phone orders or diners - one chef, one so called waiter manager and one taking orders over the phone - even the delivery driver got roped in to bringing food to our table. Most of the food was lovely - bur not so much the ridiculous wait for the food - and after feeling so embarrassed that we had invited friends there we footed the bill in full £350 - but decided to visit again tonight just to discuss politely the poor service - met with a response of 'our food is great - we were busy, and the manager stated that he didn't give a **it about our thoughts on Saturday night!!! - his exact words! We also now know there was a fight there recently regarding poor service and the people did not want to pay the bill!!! Although we would never resort to such - the opinion of the manager tonight was appalling - there is a petrol station opposite which sells tonic and when I suggested that they go and by some to be able to serve Gin and Tonic I was accused of being rude - we even offered to go for them!!! Constant moans on Saturday night regarding the mess the previous owners had left them in - debt etc - not really something you should be sharing with customers and should be focussing on getting it right and building a business. Never again will I visit this restaurant and good luck to anyone who may do! Because remember - the manager in his words - doesn't give a **it!!!

Feels like home. Always made to feel welcome. Staff polite and friendly. Food is just the best. We originally went somewhere else but that was a complete disaster, so we went to where we know and love. See you soon.

Wasn't sure at first as it looks a little rough and ready but have to say that the food and service was excellent. Best Pathia I have had for a very long time and my wife said the same about her Balti dish. Will definitely be visiting here again soon

We have visited this restaurant many times but this was our first visit post lockdown. I'm happy to say that the food was excellent, as always, and the service, friendly and prompt. No hesitation in recommending this restaurant.

Visited here with friends last week and we were very impressed. Friendly and efficient staff, superb food and it was nice to see they had got everything sorted re social distancing of tables, all staff wearing face masks etc. we had drinks ( lager and a bottle of wine, poppadoms starters mains and sides , plus when we asked for the bill we received a complimentary Baileys or Amaretto each . all this for just over £20 per person, cant be bad We loved it here and will return for sure.

Although this is the closest Indian restaurant to us we haven't used it very much as it has been distinctly in the past. However our take away last weekend was excellent and both vegetarians and carnivores were really impressed.

I use it as a take away never eaten in there. Great food, always hot when I get home. Naans are lovely and soft. Will continue to use

We usually have to drive 4 miles to pick up out occasional takeaway so we thought we’d try this for convenience and we were not disappointed- chicken coriander and lamb rezalla veggie side dish rice and naan - all very good, the naan in particular was lovely- looks a bit shabby from the outside but decent food

My partner and I heard the restaurant had a change of ownership and had been refurbished so we decided to give it another try, big mistake nothing had changed, still the same miserable decor,dark depressing and cold. Poor Lighting.It was a cold evening outside and even colder inside, central heating set very low,there was an open fire in the hearth with just a couple of small logs burning, every 15 minutes one of the waiters would give it a quick poke and put a few small sticks on it, eventually it just died, the room was freezing, so cold we sat in our coats,There was only two other people in the room,but we had to wait ages for the starter and the same for the main course. The waiters didn't look very smart in fact a bit scruffy for a restaurant. The main course was bought straight out on your plate and not in separate dishes, not much chicken mainly all sauce and not very hot. So all in all not a good night, wouldn't go again.

Decided to try this place after a flier was pushed to through the door saying it was under new management. Had been put off by poor previous reviews so this was giving the new guys a chance...we weren’t disappointed as the food and service were excellent. The place looks like it has been given a makeover/redec, it was clean and pleasant with good table layout and dressing, the unfortunate thing was the place was pretty darn cold, despite sitting at a table next to a radiator! The staff were very attentive and both well informed and informative, the food, starters and mains were all very fresh, well flavoured with spices cooked out. My main was slightly underseasoned, unusual for a curry but easily adjusted. The Tandoori Duck and Tikka Fish starters were very nicely cooked and presented and it needs to be said generous portions. The mains, Chicken Desi and Rangeela Khans with Fried Rice and Keema Naan were very well flavoured, well cooked and great eating. Definitely somewhere we’ll be returning to.

Everything is top notch. Often go after work with colleagues and not had a bad curry yet. All flavoursome and the naan is exactly how I like it - thin crispy with a smothering of melted butter - delish. The portion sizes are just right and the depth of flavour is fantastic. Great value too

We have visited here a few times, but hadn't been for a while, put off by the extremely slow service. However, we decided to give it another try Friday night and we weren't disappointed. We arrived as they opened, so no other guests. We were seated immediately by very friendly and attentive staff. The service was excellent and this time was quicker than previous visits. The poppodoms were freshly cooked, so warm and crispy. Plenty of dips. We also had 3 tasty starters. Main courses consisted of chicken and king prawn bhuna, quite pricey at £13.50 for one main course, but very nice. Chicken tikka masala and chicken korma were lovely. Peshwari nan dripping in honey, amazing ! A lovely restaurant with efficient staff and lovely food. We will be back sooner rather than later.

We visited as a group, staff very welcoming although it was a little strange to be advised to get your own drinks from the pub (as cheaper than getting them to fetch them). Even though we were seated by the open fire and next to several radiators it was still very chilly - and when the fire died down it got really cold quite quickly. The food was reasonably priced and even though there were 13 of us there was no long delay. It arrived hot and was very nice, however a number of the meals looked suspiciously similar with a bit of difference added on top.

food wasn't bad, place isn't bad a little disappointed that all the food is HALAL, NO British non halal food options for NONE Muslims would have been a 5 star if it was not for that

I have eaten here many times, and every time it just gets better and better. The chicken pathia is to die for, and the tandoori chicken starter,WOW. It doesn't look much from the outside, but don't be put off, go in give it a go. You won't regret it. We don't go anywhere else. The staff are all lovely. Very friendly.

Conocemos este lugar desde hace años, pero nunca lo intentamos. Bueno, ahora finalmente tenemos, y qué sorpresa tan agradable. No parece mucho desde el exterior, pero el servicio es de primera clase y la comida es excelente. La decoración interior está un poco mezclada, pero está limpia, ordenada y bien diseñada. El personal de espera es acogedor, amable y atento. Buena selección en el menú, todo muy sabroso ya un precio razonable. Licencia y con un montón de cervezas de barril y bebidas. Definitivamente volveremos.

Como otras personas han publicado, este es un restaurante para relajarse y tomarse su tiempo. No vayas si tienes prisa. La buena comida llega a los que esperan.

Visitamos este restaurante con amigos que lo recomendaron.

La comida era muy buena, el lado negativo se estaba reservando para las 8 pm no se sentó en la mesa hasta las 8. 30 que puede suceder. Luego, tratando de hacer que el camarero tomara su pedido tomó una eternidad, estaba listo para partir, pero los demás estaban de acuerdo con esperar. De todos modos no obtuvo el motor de arranque hasta las 9. 30 cuando se le preguntó cuál era la respuesta: "lleva tiempo descongelar" No logramos salir hasta las 10. 50.

Passed this on numerous occasions and decided to book as it was midway between our homes, not that busy and seated at a nice table by the open fire which was appreciated. Service was good and food very good, starters, mains and sundries with drinks.

Have been here several times and it is good at catering for big groups and staff are friendly, however in recent visits we have been disappointed.

Pleasant surroundings very clean and tidy Do not expect express service It is not a fast food chain and one should sit back and enjoy the experience Food is first class and well worth the wait

What an excellent find. We have passed this place so many times and decided to give it a try. We are big curry lovers and this place did not disappoint. Really good tasty authentic food presented really well too.

Ante todo debo decir que la buena era impecable tanto entrantes y platos principales delicioso opté por platos de pescado y quedé realmente impresionado el especial de arroz también era bueno.

Returned from our holiday craving spice. This is our new favourite place for a curry. Try it, you won't be disappointed. You must try the chicken tikka chaat starter, followed by chicken pathia. Absolutely mouth watering. The staff are very welcoming and friendly.

Arrived on a Saturday around 6pm. Nice and welcoming staff. The Doom bar cask ale is awesome. Would recommend Chicken shashlic starter (marinated chicken with peppers, onions etc sizzling on a metal hot plate). Main I had a Venison, mushroom spinach bhuna along with chapati unleavened bread. Venison was tender and moist with great flavour. Just to note.. I eat a lot of game meat and this was a 10/10. I've eaten at many Indians and I have to say i rate it better than most around the area, Redditch etc.

Although we had heard bad reviews about this restaurant we decided to give it a try for my birthday,we arrived to find the restaurant empty, the waiter took us to a table by the window and gave us our menues, we then noticed how dirty the blinds on the windows were it looked like they hadnt cleaned them for years. the window it self was just as bad and swarming with flies with lots of dead flies and moths on the ledge.The room was very dark as was the decor,everywhere black and dark browns,we all made a comment about that.We all ordered our food and sat with our drinks, there were two waiters both not very friendly just standing around and talking.When the food arrived the starter was ok but very small portions but tasted ok , the same applied to the main course all very small portions, hardley any chicken and all sauce, In other indian resturants I have been to they always put the curry in seperate dishes so you can help yourself but they came to the table with your plate with the curry already on the plate, no dish! hence the small portions.

Ordenados por entrega en Dickens Heath. El conductor llamó para decir que había alcanzado una carretera bloqueada y preguntó si podíamos caminar media milla para recoger el pedido. Nos dio indicaciones y recomienda seguir la desviación. Sin embargo, nuestra orden nunca llegó.

Hemos estado yendo a esta casa curry durante algún tiempo es bastante una reputación como un buen restaurante mi plato favorito es el pollo pathia aquí mi esposa le gusta su suave mango curry plato y nan que ella dice Peshwari es para morirse. El personal es muy amable. Es también razonable.

Hace poco visitamos aquí el domingo por la noche para el £9. 95 especiales. Hemos pasado varias veces y nunca he comido aquí, así que decidimos darle una oportunidad y no nos decepcionó.

We have been with family and friends and never been disappointed always made welcome and lovely food.

Visited here a while back and I did enjoy the food. Although, I would say it is nothing special, plus my other half wasn't impressed. Nice beer though on a more positive note!

So the night before a man knocks my door and I pay £25 for a card to guarantee me one free main course free for a year. He gives me a £5 voucher off starters and desserts. After we finish our main courses which were at best average we ask for the dessert menu. "we don't do desserts" was the reply despite a voucher advertising £5 off dessertsThe place is a joke.The manager wasn't there or wouldn't come to see us BASICALLY DON'T GO HERE

I used to be a regular then stopped due to food poisoning. The place seemed so busy, so it looked on the up. We had a take away and to be honest I thought it was average at best, no food poising this time mind! I will leave it a while. Kema nan no good

Have driven past this place so many times and thought it was time to try it out. This is a restaurant attached to the cross and bowling pub in a really nice setting. Went on a Wednesday night with my son and was a little taken aback to find there were no customers in there at all and it was 7.30 in the evening!! I thought on no have we made a mistake as I'd only heard good reports about the place and that I was told it was always busy. Anyway we persevered and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The food was really tasty and plentiful. We had starters and main courses and all the food was served piping hot ( which is always a plus for me as I hate Luke warm food!!). Waiter was very good and attentive without being overly so. Prices were very good at just over £32 for both of us which included starters, mains & naans along with two drinks. Overall a very good experience and will definately be going back soon

Good quality freshly cooked meals tasty and varied menu, not expensive, good service better than most in the area would go again.

Party of 10 booked in for 20.30 on Saturday 18th June.By 22.00 all we had been served was a poppadam each.By 22.15 we were about to leave when miraculously the food started to arrive,in dribs and drabs.The food was okay but by this time we were all so disgruntled we really just wanted to eat and leave.On receiving the bill,we asked for a reduction to be told "the manager isn`t here",so we deducted £5 per person off the bill,and clearly no gratuity for service was left!! They said it was due to other large parties being booked in,but if they couldn`t cope they shouldn`t accept the booking. Rajput you failed miserably.

Family table for ten booked well in advance, preferred time changed on advice of staff to accommodate another party on evening of 18/06/16 from 20.00hrs to 20.30hrs, arrived to find earlier group still not seated at 20,20hrs, struggled to get served by bar staff in restaurant waiting area, able to see into bar area and bar staff busy doing not much. 20.45hrs asked when table ready? Promptly shown to our table without enough seats, 2 diners squashed onto end of tables.Now 21.15hrs and still no orders taken, only when we threatened to pay for drinks and leave any action by staffHad to draw attention to ourselves to place orders for poppadoms and starters, only half the order of poppadoms arrived. Another long delay before arrival of starters, followed by delay in mains which arrived at approx 22.30hrs, one of which was wrong,Standard of food good but not particularly generous portions, When complaints made to staff about service at end of meal manager declined to explain or apologise and left it to staff to deduct cost of starters,No return visits planned very poor service considering tables empty all the time we were there

Decided to introduce my girlfriend to this place when we decided on going out for a curry. Just like lots of other people, she didn't know it even existed. From the outside it doesn't look like itd be as nice as it is. Humble is the word. Really nice decor and furnishings. Half pub, half curry house. Really nice service, friendly waiters and surrounding eaters. Good selection of food and drink. We normally order from here and takeaway. The food is just lovely! Really tasty.Nearly £4 for Poppadum's though, most places give you a free lot. That's nearly £1 a poppadum... Which we all know doesn't cost that must to buy and sell on. No other complaints. Both would come again.

Lovelly smells of food upon opening the door... 1st impression the restaurant is spotless. Silver backed chairs, no smudges, no marks, crisp white linen (like new). The staff were also impeccably dressed. Clean shaven and nice shirt and tie.As this was my first visit - this immediate impression, put me at ease.As ever, you can asess the food by the freshness of the poppadoms.. They were warm, fresh and comforting!For my starter I had chicken chaat, this was new to me and it came in a chapati..realy tasty and fresh.I am obsessed with this at home, and ive not been anywhere else that does this - all food was served on WARM plates!My partners salmon was perfect. Melt in the mouth.The mains came out again on warm plates, and the heat coming of the food shows they were cooked fresh. The portion sizes were a little too generous!The menu has all the traditional dishes and some new dishes to try.As a curry lover and for my 1st visit, this gets 10/10.My only regret is that I hadnt visited before! :0)if youve ever driven passed this place and wondered what it is like - now you know to pop in.Simon, Wendy and Ben.

This was the second time that I have been to this restaurant. The menu includes all of the expected favourites, plus a great selection of very interesting dishes including venison. Good wine list too. Very reasonably priced.

Called in for drinks only with the cycling group that I was leading. We were fortunate it was open on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm. There was a good choice of ales on draught. The restaurant section looked very attractive.We only came across one member of staff at that time, she was welcoming enough.

Ordered a takeaway and after waiting an hour rang to ask how much longer we would be waiting, we were told a colleague had left and was on his way, after over an hour and a half rang back to be told they hadn't set off and were no closed, they then lied about trying to call us, shocking customer service, will definitely not be using again!

Like other peoples experience the Chicken Pathia is amazing. I don't go to the other Redditch eatery's any more as to expensive for the quality and lack of taste as they seem to think chilly powder cures everything. The Rajput is the experience you will enjoy over and over again. I've sat down and had take a-ways, Superb every time and friendly and. Its nice to have room when your eating in and not have to sit on some one else's lap.Colesy Redditch.

Wow what a beautiful place with such nice olden age decor it's not like a average restaurant it's very well laid out the staff are friendly and too top things up the food was the best I ever had my partner had chicken pathia he also said that's the best he had also you have got a pub next door so you can have a few drinks in the bar before comin into the restaurant what a amazing place will recommend this place well done guys

Wow what a place first time I been here after friends recommended the food was the best I ever had and the open log fire jus gives you that cosy feeling the staff are very friendly and helpful too I recommend this place to anyone who likes quality indian food and a good atmosphere with friendly staff

Called in for a takeaway after recommend from a friend chicken pathia was the best I have tasted Will be back again.

Fantastic service, great food, nice decor. Good value for money. I liked the variety of food. Will visit again soon! Thanks :)

I have been eating at Rajput for many years now and I could honestly say I have never been disappointed. The staff are friendly, the food is great and the atmosphere is amazing.Rajput is the only place me and my wife ever seem to eat out at, we enjoy the cosy atmosphere, the mellow music, the lovely food and the open log fire during the winter.I have always recommended this place to family and friends and they always tell me how much they've enjoyed it. Would recommend it to anyone

Lovely food all served and cooked perfectly. Staff we're very welcoming, atmosphere was also very nice. Overall me and my family definaltly enjoyed it at rajputs and it'll be one of our favourites

Definitely the best Indian restaurant. The service provided was great. Food tasted very good and the staff were friendly, polite and welcoming. Overall the restaurant was clean and I would definitely go back again.

This is definitely our favourite local Indian restaurant and take away, both for quality and food and for customer service. The food always tastes really good. The staff are friendly, polite and welcoming, overall a good level of service. Its clean inviting, and comfortable seating area.

Decided to visit Rajput even after reading all the terrible reviews & was quite concerned I might just be wasting my money, but I thought I'd see how it is for myself as I don't quite like to rely on others taste even though I was taking a bit of a gamble. I have to say I was very surprised, atmosphere was great, service was excellent (despite the reviews), food was pretty good too. It was a little expensive but that was down to us ordering expensive dishes on the menu. Overall very nice and would visit again.

Went to this place on Thursday night first time I was impressed with the quality off food that was the best curry I have had ever amazing it was then you got a bar next door where you can have a drink so that's helpful you got a pub and a Indian restaurant two in one really nice place friendly staff and wonderful atmosphere

I visited this place on Friday night first we went into the snug and had a few drinks which was nice then we went into the restaurant which was absolutely beautiful with some very nice decor the staff was friendly and also done us 1/2 meals for the kids the food was one of the best meals I ever had I would recommend this place to anyone and will be returning nice food

I have been using this place for the last 4 months some times twice a week brilliant cannot fault food always good service friendly atmosphere cozy have a drink have food have another drink some days i spend the whole day there with the family. Full package i would say worth the try.

i have been going to rajput for many years reading all these reviews just shocks and leaves me to think weather this are true or not i was in their this Saturday evening the food was great the service was great and atmosphere was excellent as always the staff is always friendly and smiling i think these guys are doing an excellent job and keep it up i personally will advice people to go check this restaurant out for yourselves as you will not be disappointed.keep up the good work guys and best of luck

Booked a table at the last minute for 8.30 on sat night, we actually got seated at 9.15 after complaining, starters took another half hour to arrive, followed by main course ages later, staff were unfriendly, saying that they were busy! No apologies! Surely they knew before taking our booking. Whilst the food was ok it is not worth a visit because this does not compensate for everything else. There are plenty of better places to go to.

Just an update really.Our relatives who recommended this place (see our last review) they too have stopped going to the Rajput and vowed never to set foot in the place again, after an horrendous experience last week!Basically, the service was diabolical, food cold, drinks took forever, and when they complained, the manager looked astounded as if to say; "what's your problem?" he then pretended to be concerned when my relative told him what the problem was, walked away, got to the bar where 3 other waiters were just hanging out draped over the bar, the manager obviously whispered something to them because they all looked right over at us and started to chuckle away.After 20 minutes when he finally came back to the table with food, my brother-in-law stood up, told him they were leaving, the waiter's mouth dropped open, my brother-in-law started to laugh & said; "not so funny now is it?" they then got up and left the place vowing never to return.This place seriously is a joke! It just amazes me how on earth they manage to stay in business.

We had a take-away tonight from the Rajput at the Cross and Bowing Green and frankly it was all sauce and very little meat or vegetables. I ordered the take-away over the phone and was told that it would be ready for collection in 20 minutes. I arrived on time but had to wait while the meal was completed. The waiter offered no apology.Our starter of Onion Bhaji was fine and they also gave us some complimentary poppadoms to accompany the dish, which were crisp and fresh. However, the Chicken Tikka Masala lacked much chicken and what as there was very tough. Likewise the Vegetable Balti lacked any vegetables. Both dishes were heavy in thin sauce that was brightly coloured - the Masala was vermillion in colour and the Balti was close to it. The pilau rice was fine, but neither my wife or myself could eat our main dishes. Our plain naan was okay.We have eaten in the restaurant on many occasions and generally the food is fine, but after tonight's take-away experience, we wonder if the chef has changed, as the quality of the food has deteriorated massively on tonight's dishes. We are not sure if we will have a take-away again from the Rajput and we are cautious about visiting the restaurant again. Very disappointing!! I hope the owner/manager can turn it around as it has been good in the past.

Popped in here for a drink after work and was amazed to see a colony of ants crawling all over the bar by the soft drink dispenser. The young, female barmaid was fully aware of them and seemed to think it was quite amusing and novel and just ignored them. She seemed quite nonchalant about them as she added some Lemonade to a glass for some poor customers pint of lager top.Appalled at this, I decided to cut my visit short and left three quarters of my un-finished drink on the bar and popped to the gents on my way out. After passing through a group of 3 men smoking inside the main building, but just outside the toilet door, I stepped into the men's wash room. The one and only toilet in the cubicle was blocked and full to the rim with soiled tissues, faeces and cigarette packets. As a result of this, there was overflowing, dirty toilet water all over the tiled floor. It was just as well I was wearing work boots and short trousers otherwise my trouser hem would've been soaked. I have used cleaner portable toilets on buildings sites.Needless to say I will NOT be visiting this pub/restaurant again and will be contacting local council and Environmental Health.I did not visit the restaurant side where the diners eat, so can not comment on what it is like in there. One can only imagine?

After visiting family & friends and travelling from Canada, we were recommended to try this restaurant by family as the food was supposed to be good.We arrived at the restaurant at around 7:55pm, my wife and I were seated and the waiter took our drinks order.By 8:15 still no drinks and no one had taken our food order. At this point another family of 6 arrived - within 5 minutes of being there had starters and drinks.The waiter looked over at us, sitting there, menus closed, came over and said: "as anyone taken your order yet?" This was the same waiter who took our drinks order 25 minutes ago!I told he did, he then said he'd find out what was happening, he came back and said: "They were changing the barrel and there was an issue" as your drinks at this place come from round the back which is a pub - 'The Bowling Green".Still no food order taken, he then said I'll get your drinks and in the meantime get someone to take your food order. - time: 8:25 pm!Come 8:40 pm - still no drinks, still no order taken, I then caught the same waiters eye and asked him what on earth was going on? He then said he'd delegated us to another waiter who'd obviously forgotten about us!The family of 6 were now on their main course and a second round of drinks - I informed the waiter that we were on the verge of walking out and he said he'd deal with it.8:50 pm - still nothing so we got our coats and left - no one said a word no one even noticed we'd gone! This is not a big restaurant 8 to 10 tables tops to which only 5 to 6 of those tables were occupied that night.Anyway, in 30 years of eating in Indian restaurants all over the world - from Los Angeles to Birmingham, I can honestly say, I have never sat in an Indian restaurant - or any restaurant for that matter, for 55 minutes and had no drinks or food! People may say, "well why did you wait so long?" I asked myself that question too, I just lived in the hope it would get better and we'd get service as were constantly told so by the waiter.I tried to call the place the next day - left 4 messages on the pub's phone - had no reply! I then tried again before we returned back to Canada - still no return call from the manager.I told the family who recommended this place to us - who are regulars - they seemed very surprised. They tried to call the place left two messages for the manager - still no reply!So, if you have an hour to kill and you'd like to be seated in an Indian restaurant & see how "not" to treat a customer, die of starvation & thrist, then look no further than the Rajput at the Bowling Green, Alcester road, Beoley!