The Spice Lounge, situated in the heart of the prestigious
Albert Dock is a contemporary Indian restaurant, set apart
from the rest.

The restaurant has taken advantage of its Grade II listed
building as the use of bare brick cleverly maintains the Dock’s
unique heritage, whilst creating a warm atmosphere. Utilizing
its location with the use huge open windows, the restaurant
opens out into a picturesque courtyard; a fantastic suntrap to
enjoy during the summer months and a small docking area,
complete with drawn up boats.

Being set at the beautiful waterfront location, the Spice
Lounge is a worth while visit after a day out at the Dock’s, a
night at the Echo Arena or even after a shop at Liverpool ONE.

I visited the Spice Lounge with a friend after long day at work.
With it being a beautiful summer’s day, we were lucky enough
to experience fine dining in a cool and airy atmosphere as
French bay windows were wide open.

Although the restaurant was well ventilated, the vibrant smell
of spices still lingered in the air. As we were seated, attentive
staff handed us menus and decorated our table with a
traditional gas lamp.

After ordering two glasses of fosters with lime to celebrate
the sunny weather, we began to explore the menu.

With an amazing array of
starters and mains, we were
totally spoilt for choice. The
menu is colourful and mouth
wateringly descriptive, which
aided us in choosing our meals.
Staff were incredibly helpful
and actually came to our table
to recommend dishes.

To start, I opted for the Aloo Moti Tikki, which is mashed
potato with fresh herbs and spices made into patties
and coated in breadcrumbs, whilst my friend chose the
recommended Peshwari Kebab.

For my main I went for the Paneer Tikka Makhani – a
vegetable dish with cubes of Indian cottage cheese, prepared
in crushed garlic and ginger herbs and spices and set in a
home made onion and tomato sauce. My friend decided on
the Murgh Makhani – succulent pieces of chicken tikka in a
rich tomato based sauce.

We didn’t have to wait long. Our starters were presented in
true a la carte style, garnished with coriander, crisp salad and
mint sauce.

My starter was unlike I have ever tried before, but it was
absolutely divine. Served fresh and piping hot, I savored every
mouthful.

The Peshwari kebab, my friend reported is a must try starter.
With tender chunks of lamb marinated overnight with
yoghurt and Indian spices, she devoured it with ease.

Whilst waiting for our main, our host offered us a glass each of
house rose wine. It was refreshing to be served with a decent
house wine and the host ensured us that the Spice Lounge
serve only the best, which from the experience so far I could
not doubt.

The Spice Lounge is immaculately
clean and sports an open
kitchen, which was a modern
and authentic twist I have
never experienced in an Indian
restaurant before. It was fantastic
to be able to observe how our
food was being prepared.

The atmosphere at the restaurant is incredibly relaxing and
we enjoyed some light music while waiting for our second
course.

Our main meals were presented beautifully again and we had
chosen Pulao Rice and a Peshwari Nan as our sides. Portions
were hearty and again tasted delicious. When I return to the
restaurant again, I will struggle to order something different
from the menu as the Paneer Tikki was delicious.

Although we were both rather stuffed after our two course
meal and pappadums, we still managed to share an ice-cream
dessert. We opted for chocolate and strawberry, which was
gorgeous and a great size for kids to share too.

All in all, our experience of the Spice Lounge was
fantastic. It was clear from the detailed menu that
the chefs have a real passion for producing quality
flavours and this was also proven last year when
the Spice Lounge won the British Curry Award
2009, which was awarded by Sir Trevor McDonald
at a prestigious ceremony in London.

Due to the overall success of the family-run business, a second
Spice Lounge is set to open in Crosby in September. With a
great selection of traditional Indian food, together with a fine
dining experience - the Spice Lounge is a perfect location for
a meal with family and friends.

To book Call: 0151 707 2202