Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Royal Nawaab Opens in Stockport Pyramid, Promising Grand Indian and Pakistani Dining Experience
The iconic Stockport Pyramid, a landmark visible from the M60 motorway, has a new purpose as the opulent Royal Nawaab Indian and Pakistani restaurant held its soft launch. Diners flocked to experience the much-anticipated venue, transforming the unusual blue pyramid into a hub of South Asian cuisine. This restaurant, already gaining popularity, offers a unique buffet experience within a striking architectural setting.
A Childhood Dream Realised
For many, including this reviewer, dining inside the colossal blue pyramid was a long-held ambition. The soft launch of Royal Nawaab on Good Friday provided the opportunity to finally experience this unique setting. The restaurant has transformed the interior of the former office building into a lavish dining space.
Impressive Transformation
Over recent months, staff have diligently worked to convert the pyramid into a spectacular restaurant. The £15 million project boasts a vast 400-seat ground floor restaurant, complemented by expansive banqueting suites on the upper levels. The first floor accommodates 800 guests for weddings and events, with an additional 400-capacity banqueting area on the second floor. The interior design is extravagant, featuring striking lighting fixtures, polished marble flooring, and captivating water fountains in the lobby, creating an atmosphere of luxury.
Popular from the Outset
Even in its soft opening phase, Royal Nawaab has proven immensely popular. Despite not being officially open to the general public, the restaurant was bustling with eager patrons during this reviewer’s visit, demonstrating high demand and palpable excitement.
The Buffet Concept
Royal Nawaab operates on an all-inclusive buffet model. For a fixed price of £29.99 for adults and £13.99 for children under 12, guests can enjoy unlimited food. Beverages are charged separately, but the extensive buffet encompasses a wide array of dishes. This includes unlimited curries, assorted breads, chips, salads, desserts, and ice cream, offering considerable variety and choice.
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A Lively Atmosphere
Arriving at the designated booking time, we were warmly greeted and shown to our table by a staff member who confirmed the restaurant’s popularity. The dining room was vibrant, with servers efficiently navigating between tables, serving drinks and clearing plates. Customers moved energetically around the buffet counters, eager for return visits. The pace was brisk, and plates were promptly cleared once finished.
Fast-Paced Dining
The ambiance was energetic and fast-paced, perhaps detracting slightly from a relaxed dining experience. The quick turnover created a sense of urgency. However, the focus for most diners appeared to be maximizing the unlimited offerings of dishes like lamb Rogan Josh and chicken korma rather than lingering. Tables were positioned closely together, and the proximity to other diners, including children, occasionally felt intrusive. However, given the restaurant’s recent opening, these minor issues are understandable and likely to be refined.
Extensive Food Selection
The range of culinary options was truly impressive. The buffet offered a diverse selection, from potato salad and hummus to Gulab Jamun and apple crumble, catering to varied palates. Curry enthusiasts have numerous choices. Besides grilled items like steaks, kebabs, and lamb chops, the curries included butter chicken, aloo palak, Achari Baingan, and chicken dansak. For those seeking alternatives, chicken lasagne, chili con carne, egg fried rice, and pizza were also available.
Navigating the Buffet
The sheer volume and continuous flow of people at the buffet could feel a little overwhelming. Making quick decisions was necessary to avoid holding up the queue. Assessing spice levels, such as in the chicken biryani (which was noted as slightly spicy), needed to be done swiftly.
Classic Curry Choices
Focusing on familiar favourites, the reviewer selected butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and chicken korma. These classic curry dishes proved satisfying. The korma was well-prepared with generous portions of chicken and a pleasant sweetness. The butter chicken was mildly spiced, and the lamb rogan josh was rich in flavour. Subsequent visits to the buffet allowed for sampling additional curries, and the open kitchen demonstrated staff diligently replenishing and maintaining the freshness of each dish. Staff were also proactive in offering recommendations and presenting off-menu items, including lamb chops, tawa chicken, and fish specials showcasing attentive service.
Efficient Service
Front-of-house staff demonstrated remarkable efficiency in managing the busy venue. Similar to the rapid plate clearing, tables were promptly cleaned, reset, and prepared for incoming guests. However, this rapid turnover occasionally impinged slightly on the dining experience. At times, the visible presence of numerous staff with communication devices created a sense of being rushed, as if tables were being monitored for immediate turnover after any indication of finishing.
Minor Areas for Improvement
While the efficient service was commendable, a slightly less hurried atmosphere would enhance relaxation for diners. However, as Royal Nawaab is in its initial phase, this aspect is likely to be adjusted as operations become more established. The staff’s dedication to their roles was evident and positive.
A Grand Setting
The restaurant’s aesthetic is undeniably striking. The luxurious and glamorous interior effectively transports diners, making it easy to forget the location within the M60’s central reservation. Dining inside the iconic pyramid itself adds a unique and memorable dimension to the experience. The novelty of enjoying a meal within this landmark structure enhanced the overall evening.
Positive Early Reception
The enthusiastic response to the soft launch confirms a strong existing fanbase for Royal Nawaab. Even as we departed, queues of people were still arriving, indicating considerable public eagerness to experience the restaurant firsthand. This positive initial reception bodes well for the official opening. With minor adjustments, Royal Nawaab at the Stockport Pyramid is poised to become a prominent dining destination, offering a memorable experience for many.