Cross Street, Abergavenny. 018 7385 9962 / www.regency59.co.uk
Food **** Atmosphere ****
Billed as a modern take on both Nepalese and Indian cuisine, Regency 59 is an unassuming restaurant in the centre of Abergavenny. Located next to the market, the restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients.
Arriving at 7:30PM on a Thursday evening the restaurant was, as to be expected, fairly quiet, although this may have been due to the busy market hosting its first late Thursday evening event. Clean, and simply decorated, we were quickly greeted by the friendly and efficient staff, who invited us to select our own table. Opting for a table near the window, we were able to able to enjoy our meal in relative privacy in the initially quiet restaurant. The evening menu largely consists of a range of Indian food, although there are options tailored for British palettes. The range, wisely not exhaustive, focuses on a selection of food that values quality over quantity.
Provided with complimentary poppodoms and chutneys as we perused the menu, we opted for onion bhajis and vegetable samosas to start. The bhajis, thoughtfully presented in a wire pot enabling the bhajis to remain crisp, were wonderful. Delicately spiced, and freshly made, the portion was generous but not overwhelming. The samosas, again presented well, were complemented with Greek yogurt, although this did overpower the seasoning slightly.
Our palettes cleansed by the mango sorbet provided, we quickly moved on to our mains. Ordering the Sugar Loaf special daal (a saag daal), with lemon rice, lamb rogan josh with mushroom rice (an off-menu option) and a garlic naan to share, we were presented with additional poppodoms to enjoy. The portion sizes were again generous, and well-presented. The daal was simply seasoned, allowing for a gentle build of spice and flavor. The naan was particularly tasty, with a good amount of garlic allowing for a welcome strong flavor. Too full for dessert, we finished our meal there, although perhaps next time we may opt for the chocolate cake or ice cream.
An enjoyable experience, with attentive but never intrusive service, Regency 59 has much to recommend itself. A succinct, and thoughtful menu, the restaurant aims to provide fresh, creative food and does so well.
words SIOBHAN DENTON