Bengal Clipper Indian Restaurant, Tower Bridge

8 of us decided to meet "up town" for a meal, at a location easily accessible by rail so those who normally drive could have a drink.

Having decided on the London Bridge area we found the "Bengal Clipper", in a sidestreet off Shad Thames, at the Southern end of Tower Bridge.

Initially it looked good- large, spacious, well presented, and a live pianist.

First shock came when the wife went to the bar to buy a round, and was visibly suprised (shaken?) at the bill. These aren't just "London" prices, they're "London plus", and on top of that a 12.5% service charge was automatically added. A service charge for walking to the bar, ordering drinks and carrying them back to the table ourselves? I don't think so.

Service was erratic- 2 of the starters arrived late, and the waiters started to clear the table whilst those 2 people were still eating.

And when one of us asked for some tap-water the jug was slammed on the table with such force (and obvious disdain and contempt) that plaster virtually fell from the ceiling.

The food was ridiculously spicy- kebab starters were real mouth-burners, and the mango chicken (mild and creamy with a hint of mango) had the kick of a jalfrezi. The jalfrezi was more like a vindaloo, and a seasoned jalfrezi-eater amongst us took one mouthful, then reached for the water as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

Main course prices weren't that bad for Central London, but all the extras added up- e.g. plain poppadom 70p, BUT chutney for the poppadom 70p a go.

Didn't take long for us to decide that we won't be going back.