Once upon a time in Akbars

In days gone by Leed’s favourite son would have been a fine actor like Peter O’Toole or a legendary footballer such as Billy Bremner.  However lately it’s been pretty slim pickings, the crown could go to Mel B of Spice Girls fame, or Chris Moyles the Radio 1 DJ.  However would you really want to associate your city with a loud mouth ex pop star who just wants to tell you what she wants, what she really really wants? or disc jockey with a face for radio? My point exactly, so who could take on the mantle of Leeds favourite son?

Step forward Mr Shabir Hussain, the man behind Akbars Restaurant. 

Now if you haven’t heard of Akbars, you soon will, as it is fast becoming the highest profile indian restaurant chain in the country. Originally opened in Leeds in 1995 with a simple 28 seat restaurant it fast became the hottest ticket in town for fine indian cusine in the north of England renowned for its fabulous food and atmosphere. 

It has become such a success that it has branched out across the country with seven restaurants opening in as many years and there are now plans to open in London and as far as Milan.   Birmingham was one of the cities chosen by Shabir Hussain for a new Akbars restaurant and it opened its doors on the busy Hagley Road in the summer of 2009.  Taking a prime spot of what was formerly the Liberty’s nightclub, once one of Birmingham’s most popular nightlife venues. 

Today, other than the imposing grand entrance, there is no reminder or evidence of its hedonistic past. Rumours of a £2million makeover transformed the old sticky, beer sodden floors and tired seating into a sumptuous banqueting hall, decked out with rich, luxurious imported furnishings that ooze decadence.

A nice chill out bar allows you to have a drink first, before taking the long ramp to the dining area that seats at least 300 people with a private function area for a further 200.  Red chandeliers and shimmering glass light fittings hover over tables, while glittery curtains of glass sparkle at one side of the room. Flock wallpaper and cream leather benches dominate the surroundings.

Now since its opening, I must admit that I have been a frequent visitor, and have dined half a dozen times or so either as a couple or as part of a group.  I can tell you that Akbars is not a place for a quiet candlelit dinner for two on the weekend.  Friday and Saturday night dining can see you wait up to 45mins for a table, and being a 300 seat restaurant it can get pretty loud with lots of group parties.

The menu sees a large selection of traditional, vegetarian and seafood starters, then an even more detailed list of original baltis, veggie dishes and chef’s specialities. There’s also a variety of desi-apna delights, which are all cooked in traditional Punjabi style, in a thick rich dry sauce using green chillies, spices, lemon and fresh coriander.

For starters I went for the tried and trusted lamb chops and for the main course I chose the chicken and keema karahi.

The lamb chop starter was delicate and juicy, completely delicious and what was a nice touch was the side salad that accompanied it. No limp lettuce here – it was a fine mix of tomatoes, peppers, onion and olives in a tangy dressing.  The rest of the gang enjoyed masala fish and chicken tikka, both of which were beautifully presented and came with the same delightfully presented salad.

Along with the main, we ordered a plain naan, and what we had delivered to our table was the largest single piece of bread I’ve ever seen, and not only that, it was displayed on a huge stand that when placed on the table, shielding me from my friends sitting opposite.  I must add that it was more than enough for the four of us and the bread was fresh and soft.

The chicken and keema balti was cooked in a rich masala sauce, the right side of spicy and absolutely delightful. It wasn’t too heavy, and was wonderfully fresh.  My friends dined on chicken karahi, lamb balti and chana and paneer balti – chick peas and Indian cheese – and all agreed it was a fantastic fare. In a restaurant of this size it could be easy to let standards slip but the care and attention that went into the preparation of our meals meant it felt like we were the only people dining.

Now Akbars is not your ordinary indian restaurant, not content with singing happy birthday to any guest who was celebrating, their waiter/singer actually takes requests and puts even my own karaoke repertoire to shame.  Umar will sing any song from Shah Rukh Khan bollywood classics to Celine Dion’s titanic I kid you not. 

It really has to be seen and heard to be believed.  One minute you’re sampling the delight of a finely cooked shish kebab and the next you and 50 other guests are singing the chorus to George Michael’s Careless Whisper in a mass sing along.  It is truly astonishing entertainment in the most unlikely of settings, but all part of the experience.

I’­m pleased to say that Akbar’s Birmingham is a great night out that provides high quality cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. 2 years on since first sampling the food, the question my friends still ask me every Saturday is “fancy going for an Akbar’s?”  I think that says it all. 


TanRockStar

ADDRESS
Akbar’s

181 Hagley Road, Edgbaston B16 9NY

Phone: 0121 452 1862