Transformation Thurrock : Rock Thurrock curry night goes down a treat

Rock Thurrock curry night goes down a treat

A small crowd gathered at the Shampaan restaurant on London Road, West Thurrock, on Monday night (10 July), for an evening of excellent cuisine, superb service and a lot of gentle banter.

And added to that, £180 was raised to go towards the costs of the Rock Thurrock project.

We were all given poppadoms and a selection of dips and chutneys to start with. Everyone was able to choose from a selection of three starters and then a main from a choice of three, with a choice of two rice dishes. Drinks, coffees and sweets were extra.

The evening was such good fun that it made up for the disappointing turn out - there was the potential for 60 people to have taken the opportunity to not only raise £600 for Rock Thurrock (+ Gift Aid), but also enjoy thoroughly wonderfully cooked food at a very attractive price of £10 per person.

If you thought about coming but were unable to make it, then please still give to Rock Thurrock! You can do this by contacting Colin Baker at Grays Baptist Church on 01375 404920 or via www.billygraham.org.uk.

Transformation Thurrock would really like to recommend the Shampaan at 667 London Road to all our readers. Just say you know Tim Harrold - he lives next door to the restaurant owner, Mr Ali!

And if you want a recommended dish, try the amazing Hyderabadi Lamb on the chef's specials. The lamb is so tender and the dish suits all curry tastes as it's not too hot, but still has a distinct flavour. Their Chicken Tikka is also worth a try (some of us had it as a starter) - so beautifully succulent and tasty. But all the Shampaan's food is authentic and freshly cooked. (They also do a great takeaway menu!)

The Shampaan has been recently revamped, upgraded and extended to make the interior ambience relaxing and conducive for eating and enjoying conversation. The attention and helpfulness of the waiters was friendly, helpful, polite and efficient.

Colin Baker, the Rock Thurrock Core Team Leader, would like on behalf of all who attended the fundraiser, to thank Mr Ali and his impeccable staff for making the fundraiser such a great event.

Photos from top to bottom:

The Shampaan
Edwin Hughes awaits his vegetable curry
Matthew Hughes wonders whether to laugh at Alan Field's joke or not
The 'Access' table - Elle, Hannah, Graham and friends
Colin Baker and others listen to one of Alan's anecdotes...
The Chicken Tikka
(frontpiece) The Hyderbadi Lamb, mid-munch

Tim Harrold, 14/07/2011