Haveli The Yard: ‘It’s rare to find an Indian restaurant that has it all’ – restaurant review

The incessant traffic of Park Row combined with the occasional wail of a siren pulling into the BRI might not immediately strike you as a destination for dinner. Fortunately, upon stepping inside the new Haveli The Yard, the noise and drama of outside life fades instantly.

The plush interior, Indian music and warm welcome from the staff is like reuniting with a long lost friend, and it’s evident that you’re in for a treat.

Haveli is a family-run venture from restaurateur Shahid Farooq – who previously ran Rajpoot in Clifton and Oh Calcutta on Cheltenham Road – and the passion for what he is creating is apparent in every detail.

‘Haveli’ means mansion or townhouse and this place certainly bears a sense of luxury. Picture royal navy and mustard yellow velvet furnishings bathed in warm light, modern table tops and back-lit wall panels.

The bar draws the eye to the centre of the restaurant, and towards the rear are large windows making for a bright space that retains a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

The interior of Haveli The Yard is tastefully furnished.

Serving up the Indian classics that you’d expect alongside a variety of chef’s specials, Haveli has something for everyone in what was previously the Yard pub, before that the Colston Yard pub and for those with longer memories, the Smiles brewery tap.

The sweeping cocktail menu is especially charming due to the thoughtful and intricate descriptions that accompany each choice. I am not surprised when Amir, the manager, tells me they’re already a popular choice for birthday parties. The quality and range of food and drink combined with the lavish environment and genuine service here would make hosting a dream.

Amir recommends ‘everything’, but on further probing we land on the Afghan lamb from the chef’s specials.

First though is my favourite Indian starter – a prawn puri. At just under £5 it’s a considerate portion size, and the puri bread is light and not greasy. The prawns are delicately seasoned and accompanied by a simple salad, without which no Indian starter would be complete.

The prawn puri was one of the best I’ve had.

The chef creating these specials is clearly a veteran of Indian cuisine. The Afghan lamb ( £11.90) is a masterpiece; tender lamb chunks in a spicy tomato sauce with chickpeas. It packs a punch but the spice is by no means overwhelming, and when mopped up with chunks of chewy yet crisp garlic naan it’s a sensational combination.

By the time you’ve ordered an accompaniment, a main would typically cost around £15, with the portion sizes substantial enough to at least consider sharing.

The attention to detail shines in the presentation of the food, which is carefully plated and definitely worthy of your average Instagram feed.

The Afghan lamb was beautifully presented.

The original plans for Haveli were to open it all day, but until they’re better known it’s not quite viable.

I’m left sincerely hoping that they will get enough traction to open for breakfast on weekends at least. Perhaps then Bristol could have its very own answer to Dishoom’s legendary bacon and egg naans.

An excellent curry in an excellent curry house is not hard to come by in Bristol – nearby Urban Tandoor has won a host of awards since opening in 2014.

Haveli is not a curry house but a curry mansion – seemingly able to offer that little bit more without detracting from the quality.

It’s rare to find an Indian restaurant that has it all – fresh cocktails, delightful food, outstanding service and a touch of luxury.

Haveli The Yard, 4-10 Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8DJ
www.havelitheyard.com

All photos by Meg Houghton-Gilmour

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