Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The now annual tradition of the awarding of the Golden Naan to our favourite curry from the previous year was once again celebrated in February2026. Arjee Bhajee had been the lucky recipient with a stonking 9.3/10 in 2025, so expectations were high. SC was looking particularly forward to the event given a mandatory birthday vindaloo was waiting for him, as was an early flight to the North Island the next morning. But first it was off to Volstead for some tasty but pricey pints and plentiful nattering.

It was evident pretty early on that staff/owners had changed since the last visit which more often that not, means its going to fail to live up to the previous lofty heights. In that aspect we were not disappointed, otherwise it was pretty average. SC reported that the vindaloo very very mild, lucky him, and another member reported that the curry was very plain and served with the wrong meat, so lots to improve on. Service was also a bit slow which is another thing to improve but we’ll given them the benefit of the doubt since they were new. Both service and the curry scored a lowly 3.4 on the curry-o-meter which is a decent fall from grace, but I think we’ll be back. Its a nice central location, there is good pub close by and lots of potential if they can capture/borrow what previously made it a great curry house. This time we were left feeling a little blue.

Its not all bad, especially when you can have another pig’s ear at Volstead afterwards to reflect and lament on the good old days and sup from the barley flavoured cup. SC took the Cricketer trophy for being a good sport and duly gave the OG trophy a first NI trip.

Service: 3.4/5

Curry: 3.4/5

Total: 6.8/10

13 Riccarton Rd