Simla Inn in Oldham

Ordered takeaway. The staff are not rude but despite us being regulars, they are not friendly. The chutney that came with our poppadum was disappointing- watered down mango, thin yogurt with no discernible mint and chopped onion. That was it! We had onion bhajis that were limp and soft- looked as though they had been cooked in fat not quite hot enough. Our chicken dish was ok but far too much oil and not hot… the chapatis were sadly inedible as they tasted mouldy in the middle. Nana bread was nice. Overall a huge disappointment. We have been to the restaurant regularly and sadly have noticed a gradual decline in quality - won’t be going back.

We've been going here for years, it's a great restaurant with awesome food and the service is good. No too pricey either.

Sauce flavours are ok but they spoil it by using frozen chicken pieces which doesn't reflect the price but does reflect the reason its so quiet. Start using fresh produce again and you could see more people through the door.

It’s a massive shame that the service does not match the food. We have been here twice now over the last 3 weeks and overall the food is really tasty but the big let down is the staff. The two waiters are totally disinterested to a point of being like they want to be somewhere else. If you ask them for anything like a drink then you feel like you are interrupting their private time on their respective mobile phones . I personally would not like to work in any restaurant but if that is your choice at least try to be friendly. It is a massive shame as the food is really good and tasty but the overall experience makes you feel that you will not be back. We always leave a service tip but on this occasion did not. In fact we waited so long to ask for the bill eg waving our arms about etc we had to go up to the bar and disturb them on their mobiles to pay the bill.

Family meal out before son returned to uni. Visited on a Thursday evening around 7pm and there were only 2 other tables occupied. Great choice of food and everything we ordered was beautifully cooked and served on hot plates. Staff were polite and attentive. Glad we didn't go for the 5 courses deal as the main portions were big enough to satisfy us all. Picked up a take-away menu on the way out and will definitely call again.

Very happy with all our meals, nice atmosphere staff could do with being a little bit more friendly but on the whole everything about all our meals and there was 5 adults was really pleased. Will definitely be going back.

Unfortunately it was a bit of a let down. The customer service is extremely poor and one particular waiter I found quite rude. There was no room to breathe during courses yet the place was completely empty. My lamb was ok, but I’ve had better from takeaways. Can’t say I’d return.

Just had a family birthday meal spent a fair bit. Lamb was so tough & completely inedible. Told waiter who completely blanked my complaint - did not even offer an apology. It was all there on plate to see. Absolutely shocking. Won’t set foot back in the place and wouldn’t recommend to anyone

Went here with my Dad and daughter (12), everything was fresh, tender and tasty (I had a bite of everyone's). My daughter was more than happy, she's always the hardest critic. Service was excellent and you couldn't beat the price too. Read other reviews before going and was a bit skeptical, but I have to disagree with them. Far better than another more expensive/popular Indian restaurant in the same area. Give it a try!

3 of us are here on Wednesday the 22nd Dec. 2021. The food was just average and there are far better Indian Restaurants in Oldham, including Indish, Indian Ocean, Cafe Lahore, The Millon, and Westwood East!! The main reason why none of us will ever return is that we were not made to feel welcome, and the staff are the most miserable, unfriendly people we've ever encountered!!

2 of the starters were ridiculously small. Literally a bite and I’m not exaggerating. The quality of the food was ok but marked down on value for money

Ordered a delivery 5 minutes after opening hours. On answering and starting to take the order, was asked to hold whilst listening to the same guy answer another call and do the same to another phone customer. When order finally taken, advised 40-50 min delivery. 1 hr 15 mins later, I phoned to ask for update, was informed on way (we live 1 min away by car). 10 mins later phoned again to be informed delivery was outside... not true. Food finally delivered and was cold. Phoned again to ask if this was their standard of service... answer: yes. We are busy. I then asked if they thought that was acceptable service. Their response... listen. We are busy! Save yourself the hassle and avoid this restaurant like your life depends on it. Utter shocking customer service. Unbelievably disappointed in their service, customer service and food. 🤬

We had a lovely meal here. We only booked the night before and it wasn’t too busy. The service was very good , the food was excellent and the staff very friendly .

What a disappointment. The attitude and service of the older waiters was appalling. My friends complained about a burnt dish, they replaced this grudgingly simply tossing the replaced dish on the table. A restaurant to avoid in the future over priced and dated surroundings.

Four of us went for dinner. The starters were good but the reactions to the main courses were mixed. Two of the diners were satisfied with their meals but me and my friend chose the Balti Exotica and we were both very disappointed. I don’t think that three pieces of chicken tikka, one king prawn and a chicken drumstick masquerading as tandoori chicken is acceptable fare for the most expensive dish on the menu. When tackled about this, the manager adopted a confrontational, hostile approach which led me to conclude that this was my last visit to this declining establishment.

Great place to start your night out or finish your night out. Good Service and the food is delicious!

Been going here for over 20 years and never had a bad experience We mainly have takeaways now and never once have we been given anything other than what we ordered Always delicious My favourite is the anakarliAnd my husband loves the chicken and cheese kufta You can’t go wrong with Simla for Dinna !

Visited with my mum, brother and daughter several times. The staff are really friendly and nothing is too much trouble- we often ask for food that isn’t on the menu and they always come up trumps. The food is fresh, well presented and excellent value for money. My brother lives in Henley and he has developed high expectations of any restaurant... this place rivals any! Give it a go, it’s lovely.

Not been here for a long time and I know why. Went with friends for tea on a Friday night. The place is looking very tired, which is a shame as the food is ok. Not as good as previously I must say. Needs updating. Drink - I had a coke and was poured from a plastic bottle of cheap coke and it was flat. This is such a shame as Royton has some great places to go now for drinks and food. I will not be returning until they spend some money on decoration. It was very cold as well.

Place was cold with no atmosphere. Food was not tasty and had no spice or aroma to it. Set menu was not explained properly and the small man at the bar with bed head had a rude attitude when i was asking questions. Tastier currys nearby at the same price if not cheaper :)

Excellent value on their five course menu, lovely hot food brought sizzling to the table and great service.

The food and service was great, there is also a special menu during the week, the menu choice brilliant, well worth a visit

Went last night , I wore my jacket as it was cold, staff miserable and not friendly . The stairs to the toilets disgustingly dirty , the walls full of grime and dirt and my shoes stuck to the stair carpet! Back ground music was on but very low , so your could here everyone’s conversations . I felt I had to whisper !The manager constantly watching us as we didn’t eat much of the main as we was full but the food was lovely , but didn’t like being watched!Restaurant lighting was far to bright not a chilled romantic setting . Will not be going again due to the above and most of all the very grubby dirty stair case to the toilets .

We ate here last night as a group of family and friends and I have to say the food was amazing but the attitude of the staff was anything but professional. The waiter taking our order was looking around the restaurant so we had no idea if he’d written it down or not ( amazingly the food came out correct ). The waiter that took the napkin rings off our napkins then threw the folded up napkin back on our place setting and then the food was literally placed in front of us if it was our our not it became a case of we just swapped with each other until we got our own meal. I also asked for no coriander on my dishes and this was ignored. Thankfully I’m not allergic I just hate the stuff so it wasn’t too big a problem.

We've been here a few times now and each time never disappoints. The service is good. The food is very tasty and fresh and the prices are reasonable. Would definitely recommend.

The restaurant is generally always quiet/empty, don’t know how it’s still in business. Also the waiters are unfriendly, unwelcoming and look like they’d rather be anywhere else but there.

We come to the Simla every couple of months for a catch up and have done for over 10 years

This was our second visit in the last 3 - 4 months and on both occasions it was pretty good.

Visité por primera vez. Los camareros no muy acogedor al entrar. Aunque la comida no me gusto demasiado mal, me lo preparan controversia ya llegó demasiado rápido. Mientras entrante venía comiendo nuestro poppadoms (y sólo tenía 1 cada uno). Comida de nuevo vino muy rápido y estaba bien caliente, aunque había sido superficial. Ningún contacto de camareros y no estaba lleno, sólo dos mesas ocupadas. Lo siento, esta fue nuestra primera y última vez en este restaurante.

Went with a friend for a catch up and hearing of other people how good ot was,we went for the meal deal,£12 for 5 course's, the meal was nice,as was the staff,restaurant really nice and clean,

Hemos estado aquí muchas veces y todavía hay un toque impersonal. El servicio es amable y más o menos arrojaban en la mesa, la comida está bien para el precio, pero sin duda no es una experiencia agradable, lleno de opciones mejor localmente, (mucho mejor

He tenido unas cuantas veces aquí antes, y no tengo ninguna queja, pero esta vez fue diferente. Para empezar sólo habíamos estado se sentó por unos minutos nos preguntó qué comida que queríamos. Uno de los camareros parecía tener un problema de actitud junto a los ignorantes, pero la comida era buena y le dan al restaurante otra oportunidad en el futuro.

Was empty when we got there so just me n hubby, the food was lovely can't fault it but just felt really rushed we was half way threw papadum and the starters came out the just put them on our table kind smiled and walked off, that's the only fault really but food was ok

Even though it was a quiet midweek visit the the staff were very friendly and the food was excellent and as always hot and tasty.

food was nice but ended up ill the next day as did the other 5 members of our party, was very cheap and this is probably why, would not go back again

I have been to Simla on many occasions and the food is always very good, unfortunately the service is not the same as it used to be! The guys working in there were always polite and friendly and now they seem miserable. It's a shame as with a little sprucing up they could make this such a nicer place as things are getting a bit dated now! Service with a smile always helps but you don't get that anymore! Paid the bill and not even a thank you, they just took the money and walked away! I will probably eat again here again as the food is nice, but I'll order takeaway next time!

Hemos comido comida de este restaurante durante años y disfrutamos muchísimo. Las tres últimas veces que hemos probado la comida era horrible y al día siguiente todos estábamos enfermos. Esta puede ser una coincidencia, sin embargo nosotros no vamos a volver, lo cual es una...

En el llamado para una comida familiar de Simla y como siempre, el personal y el servicio eran excepcionales.

We went on a week day evening and had the meal deal. The restaurant was quiet and food was very tasty. Will be going back soon.

Best Indian restaurant in England. If you disagree, at all, you are wrong. I have been going to the Simla for about twenty four years. In that time it has had the same owners and only the staff have changed, although the current flock have been there for years now. I have eaten in a lot of Indian restaurants, worldwide, this place knocks spots of all bar one in Lichfield, which is also good, but the chef here is a bit too free and easy with his coriander. The food at the Simla is superb - in 24 years (and I am a prolific and regular guzzler of curry),) I have only had two occasions where I thought it was lacking a bit. Best dishes;Chicken tikka danya silhetiTasty Fish & Karachi fishChicken anakarliLamb jaipuri - different but exeptional, sort of a 'plate dinner' but Indian style, superb.Tarka dhal (lentil soup/curry, very mild, good for little children)Sag paneerChina masalaLast three are vegetarian and my current personal favourites. The fish is very good, you should try but ask the little chap that runs he place to describe it to you first and it is unusual for English people to eat fish in an Indian restaurant so you should check you will like it. The waiters and chefs here are all Bangladeshi, as is the case in almost eve 'Indian' in the country, so it makes sense that they serve fish - Bangladesh is full of rivers, see? You ask 'em, they will tell you all about it.It used to be he traditional, 'carpet on the wall with booths' type place, but it's all modern now with oil paintings up on he wall - nice toilets too.

avoid at all cost , there's lots of places to go to locally other than this, pay a few quid extra elsewhere and have a great night..

I have been coming to this Indian for over 10 years.The staff are always pleasant and are attentive throughout the whole meal.The food is lovely, always fresh and what you would expect menu wise.My favorite being the Madras and Peshwari naan!If you are looking for a fresh, tasty local Indian restaurant then this is the place!

Simla inn is a nice little restaurant with lovely staff and good portion sizes for a reasonable price . It is clean and modern ..... It is myPlace of choice to have a meal out when I am not feeling rich because the set menu is an absolute bargain but it is not myPlace of choice for special occasions when I want to splash out .

Nice Indian food in Royton good selection of food plus great pub a cross the car park the duke of edd

Have been numerous times with my parents and family. Always had great food and it is also very reasonably priced

Disappointing service which is a shame as the food is lovely!Table booked for 7.00pm and we were still sat waiting for starters at 8.30pm because the kitchen seemed to be fulfilling the take out orders as a priority. Lots of people collecting food but non being served in house.Eventually food arrived without word of apology.(Even after we mentioned the wait it was ignored)Mains arrived not to much later so that was ok we left at 9.15pmA long time to be kept waiting on New years eve really.Surroundings were not the best either.Walked upstairs to the loos past other people waiting for food on the first floor.Freezing cold and damp in the toilets.Would not recommend eating here but take away would be nice and timely :)

Visited here and overall a good meal. Environment is nice with a decent bar area.Seating was comfortable.Poppadum starter was nice,but only 3 choices of dip were present,although delicious.Raita, onion in tomato base sauce and a slightly sweet golden sauce.Main course was chicken Rogan Josh, boiled rice, garlic nan bread and a side order of tarka dhal. All delicious, non greasy,full of flavour.Also tried a taste of lamb swagahalla(forgive the spelling there sorry),which is a spinach rich dish,and again delicious. Worth visiting from my experience.

I always come into the Simla when in town, we have been coming here for 20 years.It's the sort of place that has a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of choice, special offers and we usually stay 2-3 hours.You will love the Simla it is very well known and respected, close to Oldham, Chadderton and Rochdale.Royton is a medium size Village so you don't get the rowdiness of being in a big town, nice people come here.Try the Simla you will be delighted.I just signed up for Christmas day Dinner for £25 for the full Menu of either typical traditional turkey dinner or any of the Curries off the main menu, what a deal for Christmas day. :-) its double the price at the Carveries around here.

Visited twice in two months. On the first, we ordered two very different main meals, Bhuna and Pathia. Both meals were identical except the Pathia had a dollop of mango chutney in it, neither meal resembling what they were meant to be. Pathia, particularly is quite a hot curry. Neither had any heat. I figured that as no curry emporium could possibly trade successfully like this, it must have been a one off.Went back two months later, exactly the same. So either the chef doesn't know what he's doing or they consider their customers to be idiots. Either way, I won't be troubling him again and I'm sure my stomach on a Sunday morning won't be troubling me. While I'm on, it might be worth noting that while the starters were very good, the payment practice is less so. On presenting the bill, the guy stood there with his hand out! Nice manners, boys. Good luck in the restaurant trade.

The only thing that lets this place down is the staff. They genuinely never look happy and seem to constantly be calculating prices at the till.I'm not expecting a performing seal cracking jokes but a smile or two would help this place a lot.The offer is reasonable value.

Stale tasting poppadoms, greasy samosas, ok main, flat beer, damp smell, expensive bill...... A real disappointment.

Have eaten here for years and food consistently good with excellent staff.Maybe the chef has changed but food has gone downhill. I will not be eating here again

This is a very average Indian Restaurant. Last time we ate in this place I couldn't wait to get out fast enough. It was only around 6.30pm and we were sat next to a table of lairy foul mouthed men who swore loudly for the full duration, despite couples and families dining in close proximity. Food was greasy, warmed up and lacking in flavour. Prefer Desi-Lounge or Akbars in Manchester!

Went here on spec. What a surprise, helpful staff, good food well served, nothing was too much trouble. A shame its not closer to where I live.Would I go back----YES

We visited this restaurant recenly and were impressed with the food and service we recieved. The ambiance was very good and you had your own booth/ high backed seating.

We booked a restaurant on NYE that unfortunately overbooked. We rang Simla who had an immediate table which was odd for such a busy night. We arrived to a cold restaurant, half empty and zero atmosphere. We are a vegan/veggie family and found there was very little option on the main curries and so we opted for 4 vegetarian sides. Quite a lot for 2 adults and a toddler. The waiter was rude and rolled his eyes at us, asking if we knew they were small dishes. I requested one dish without cream and was told it did not have cream in it - well the menu stated it did. The starters were tasteless and dessert was a frozen lump of cake. Fastest meal ever - rushed in and out within 40 minutes. We were actually glad as the roughest table of 20 arrived.

28 Dec 2014.Picked up a takeaway and was very disappointed. We ordered 4 poppadoms which came with watery yogurt dressing, a small amount of onions and similar size chutney, enough really for only 2 poppadoms. We "put up" with that but my wifes meal was (and looked) aweful. Don't order the butter chichen, all I can say is that they must have used a cooked chicken and dished up all the bits that were left when you had removed the breast and legs. We've had takeaways from there before but this was the worst takeaway we've ever had. We use the Shalimar (Uppermill) more and although I think its owned by the same people the standards are much better. £27 down the toilet. Good job its Christmas and we can have some chocolate.

I ve been here many times over the last 6 months and the food is always top notch, all of my family and friends love it here too.WQe always go for the full meal special at £11 for 4 course, excellent value as you can choose any item offthe menus.If you are in here on Christmas day we will see you here at 2pm. Only £25 for a full Christmas day menu for either Curry or Turkey dinner.Fabulous you can't go wrong.

Second time at this place, first wasn't marvelous so gave it a second chance as it was late.Tandoori chicken, flavourless, not been marinated very long and was bland.Next was a biryani, greasy and again lacking any depth of spice. The curry sauce that came with icing be described as a sauce, more like big chunks I've vegetable, all dente, coated in a bland sauce. Won't be going back for a third attempt, very disappointing, it's probably the worse indian meal I have had ever. Just makes you angry.

This is the first time we have visited the Simla, but decided to try a takeaway having driven past and seen how popular the restaurant seems to be. The starters were lovely, the somosas and onion bhajis were lightly spiced and not greasy as they often can be. The shashlick main courses (chicken and prawn) were both well cooked, with reasonable portions of chicken and prawn and excellent balance of spices, but spoiled by the addition of quartered onion and pepper, which were just seared on the outside but otherwise raw. I would try the takeaway again, but if ordering the same dish would ask that the onion, peppers and tomato be more finely sliced.

The Simla is the most reliable Indian in Oldham for consistency of tasty food at good prices and with a warm welcomeThe fact that it has been in this location for over twenty years (I think) is testament that it is a quality Indian restaurant and past winers of curry of the year.Give it a go and let your taste buds waken

Went to the Simla Inn on Saturday night, very good service as usual, we went for the offer menu option at £10.95 which consists of Poppodoms, onions, chutney, mint sauce, any starter, any Main dish, either rice or Nan and a coffee. The shrimp dishes cost a little more but apart from that you choose anything off the menu.This continued offer is very good value and well worth a visit

Food was fab - really could fault it - could however fault the half a lager that was warm and flat and then the waiter argued with me about it!!!. Same waiter obvs then took a dislike to me and when he took the napkin ring off threw the napkin towards me - good customer service???? I think not. When they came to take order my other half hadn't decided what he wanted but they stood waiting, didn't offer any extra time to make his mind up. Had the special 5 course menu and when we had finished mains didn't even ask if we wanted coffee or anything else. Was a few people in but wasn't overly busy so no reason at all for poor service.

Me and two friends decided to go to the Simla inn for my birthday as we hadn't been there for some time. Although there wasn't a right lot wrong with the food, it wouldn't win many awards in my opinion so I'd say average at best. My (our) main issue was the quality of service received from the outset which was very poor indeed. The moment we walked through door we didn't feel welcome and that continued to the minute we walked out. When asked about one or two items on the menu, the waiter almost couldn't be bothered to explain and was quite condescending towards us. We were rushed through our meal to the point where the bill was placed on the table without either of us being asked if we'd finished. Then when we paid we had to ask if there was any change as none was brought back. Perhaps the waiter thought he'd earned a tip? I think not. To summarise, average food with sub-standard service. A much better dining experience can be had just 5 minutes up the road at the Indian Ocean in my opinion.

I have reviewed here before and its still as great as ever as the chef and staff have been here nearly 2 decaded now. We have bern here 4 times over the festive season as well.Try it out you will love it.I highly recommend the Simla again.

I was surprised to read about the poor service, we have away been treated with the highest respect and service was excellent. I am trying to work my way through the menu from Tasty Fish and onwards, Food as been great. The place as also been very clean when we have visited it. I am going again? Yes

Me and my wife went here on the 13/11/13, they sat is down and left us for about 25 mins, then eventually came and took a food order, 5 course special, £10.95, I had to go and find them to get a drink, I had a cobra and my wife had some pink dishwater (rose wine), the service was so bad we nearly walked out, there was only two other tables in there as well.The coffee was like water with off cream, the food tasted ok but we will never go back and will spread the bad word.

Table booked for 8.15 arrived at 8 10 stood for 10 mins before I decided to go to bar for glass of wine when I decided to have a bottle told by manager they only served house wine by glass, told him I had had a bottle 2 weeks before at partner restaurant a bottle was served, I then asked could we have our table as there was a table at side empty, he then said the table was booked at 8 oclock but they hadnt arrived yet??? and that the people who booked it wanted to sit downstairs, seen as only downstairs was open they would be hard pushed to sit anywere else!! At 8.45 when asked again for table the manager said he would open upstairsfor us, two people in an upstairs space with no one else dont think so,, we wereseated at 8.50 .. the food was good when at last we got it, and the waiter faz, was lovely. sadly will not visit again bad manager! !!

HiWe have reviewed here twice before so wont go into too much detail.We come here regularly and always receive the same quality service and food from staff who have been here many years and it was fantastic again tonight.We learned about The £20 Christmas day menu for any curry or a Turkey dinner, this is a great price so will be looking to book soon.I am amazed more local people don't contribute to the Simlas ratings on TA as it is such a popular place amongst local people.

Really good value ,we had the special offer and the curries were excellent. The service was good but not over fussy.

I have reviewed here before as its my local curry house, we always have a fabulous evening here, the staff have been here for years and always look after the customers. The Chef has actually been here since it opened 19 years ago. :-)We always go for the full menu option at £10.95 which consists of Poppodoms, onions, chutney, mint sauce, any starter, any Main dish, either rice or Nan and a coffee. The shrimp dishes cost a little more but apart from that you choose anything off the menu.It was quiet last night but it was a Tuesday, at the weekend they are busy but have extra bars and restaurant upstairs. The food was marvellous we really enjoyed it, we had Chicken Chat and Samosas to start, then Jalfrezi, (hot), Chicked Korma, Chicken Tika Massala and a Chicken Balti (medium).Loved it, thanks again guys.We highly recommend the Simla, we know that you will love it too.

I am writing this review on behalf of my husband who went on Friday night with my father. It was 10.30pm, they had not booked a table and as the restaurant was quiet they were seated straight away, they both had the special offer 5 courses for £10.95 which included 1 poppadom & 3 sauces, starter, main, dessert & coffee. You could pick anything from the menu but it was extra for the king prawn dish and and another special chicken dish. The food was really tasty with good portion sizes. The staff were attentive and polite, it was a shame it was not busier as it lacked a little atmosphere. They would highly recommend the Simla Inn if you wanted a good quality Indian restaurant with good value for money.

I have been coming here to The Simla Inn for many years and today we came for an Easter Monday Treat.The Simla for many years has had a great offer on every day for £10.99 for four courses for a selection off almost everything on the Menu, the choices are fantastic. The Simla is well positioned right in the town center opposite the taxi rank, other bars, restaurants, pubs and co-op supermarket.We chose Chicken Jalfrezi (hot and spicy) Chicken Korma and Chicken Chilli Balti for main courses, Chicken chat and Samosas for starters with the usual poppadoms, nans, rice and chips.The meals were very timely, freshly prepared, wonderfully cooked, spicy and tasty as usual.We had coffees included in the price.I like the Simla as the staff have worked here many years are very friendly and chat to all the regulars and make everyone feel welcome and give great advice on the menu selections. There is also extra seating upstairs so there is no need to have to wait long to be seated and the bathrooms are spotlessly clean and modern.The draught beer is good, kept well and they offer Cobra,Carling and Tetleys at a good price.I highly recommend The Simla, you won't be disappointed.