Forum Topic

Dusra - anyone been?

We booked last week to go on Sunday night. Sat down in what’s a clean but characterless space. Owner sheepishly dropped the bomb that they don’t have an alcohol licence - seems they’ve had some objections. Very surprised none of the five-star reviews (or indeed the staff when we booked) mention it’s currently dry. Wish I’d known before as I’d have waited for them to get over what I hope is a blip.

Gordon McDonald ● 3d15 Comments

I'm sure you're correct David about alcohol sales continuing to reduce, but I can't imagine restaurants stopping selling alcohol anytime soon.I read some stats earlier that mentioned that 35% of people going to restaurants drink alcohol with their food.I'll be honest and say I'm surprised it's that low, but maybe it's a generational thing, and my generation is more of a drinking generation!

Andrew Jones ● 17h

If Annapurna held a license it shouldn't take much to transfer it to the new operator who may then also need personal license training. It's two separate steps. The premise license should hold steady (presuming it didn't lapse) and really no amount of concern should alter it. It's a pre-existing condition of sorts.Alcohol sales in restaurants continues to dwindle. I can't help but enjoy the irony in Westminster with the previous Labour council enabling residents to prevent no new licenses and curb operating hours across the board for hospitality in general. Then you get the Labour mayor saying he will do his level headed best to prevent that from happening. No doubt he'll attempt to blame another party.

David Lesniak ● 17h

No one is saying that everybody who eats curry drinks alcohol ( even in the UK!)Alcohol is, from what I gather less popular with Gen Z than older generations, and increasing numbers aren't drinking alcohol.But it's pretty likely that in a group of friends going to a curry house for a meal, at least some of them will fancy an alcoholic drink.The norm in the UK is still that restaurants serve alcohol ( it's good for their bottom line) and plenty of those which don't have a license do accommodate BYO.Annapurna served beer and wine, and it doesn't take much to add one line in a review mentioning the state of alcoholic options.

Andrew Jones ● 20h

I'm with you there Philippa, I am disappointed whenever an Indian restaurant hasn't got it in stock.Lassi, a yoghurt based drink served either sweet or salty is the perfect complement to a curry. One is never enough, two at least, it is that good.

Denis I. Fox ● 1d

Well I'm really surprised that you think that everybody who eats curry drinks alcohol!  They don't and neither do they all think its odd to not serve it.  I've always drunk lassi when eating curry in a restaurant.  You can after all drink whatever you like with it if you get a take-away!

Philippa Bond ● 1d

Google reviews (much like Tripadvisor) aren’t worth considering these days. Our trip to The Asian Kitchen was a disaster, yet it’s got a truly (and literally) unbelievable number of five-star reviews. I thought Dusra might be different, but you can’t tell me nobody mentioned the booze issue when reviewing a curry house!

Gordon McDonald ● 1d

Going back to the point mentioned in the first comment regarding five star reviews. Despite the restaurant only being open for a week, it seems to have amassed nearly 40 such scores, which is quite frankly unbelievable. After all, how many people who visit a restaurant actually take the trouble to leave a review online? 10%? 2%? Sorry to say there have been a couple of other openings in Chiswick over the last year or so that have also garnered similar numbers of five star reviews within a few days, despite being largely empty when walking past. It is only after some time that more genuine reviews start appearing, clearly written by locals, rather than just generic platitudes. I know buying in Google reviews is becoming more and more commonplace, but I really wish this practice could be stamped out. If you are decent, the positive reviews will come naturally.

Mark Edwards ● 2d

I'll bear that in mind Janice.Brewdog Nanny State is ok as a low alcohol beer (0.5%) as well, though probably less frequently available than Schweppes Tonic Water.

Andrew Jones ● 2d

Schweppes Tonic Water is very refreshing with a meal if you cannot havealcohol, or get alcohol.

Janice Evans ● 2d

The last time I walked past (a week or two ago) it was open. No idea how busy it gets at peak times, as I usually have some sort of alcohol when eating out, and we haven't eaten in Devonshire road for quite a few years, as there are plenty of other restaurants that we know we like, elsewhere in the area.

Andrew Jones ● 3d

What was the food and the ambience like?

Jackie Elton ● 3d

I don't mind a byob restaurant but it's handy to know beforehand and whether it has a licence or not.

Keith Iddon ● 3d

I recall 6 months or so ago a new restaurant on Devonshire Road opening that was a "no alcohol" establishment.Not even "bring your own"Did it survive or is it still going strong.Of Pakistani ownership I believe.

Jim Lawes ● 3d

Nice one Keith.

Denis I. Fox ● 3d

Dusra bowled you a googly(sorry!)

Keith Iddon ● 3d