I visited the city’s Picture Drome Akshaya and was blown away by something that wasn’t the food
The meal at Akshaya came to just over £50
Akshaya, The Picture Drome, is a place I’ve become quite familiar with over recent months, despite never having set foot inside. This gem in the heart of Kensington has featured in the ECHO on numerous occasions lately, with the venue reaching the finals at the 14th English Curry Awards.
Despite losing out to Waterloo’s Da Mount Gurkha for the title of the city’s top curry house, it did clinch the Outstanding Achievement award. Upon this news being reported, comments were awash with fans from across the region expressing their lack of surprise given their own experiences dining at the restaurant.
However, any true food aficionado knows not to solely rely on others’ opinions but to sample it themselves. Bearing this in mind, I made my way to this unassuming and laid-back restaurant on Tuesday, September 2, and what an experience it was.
Doubling as a cocktail bar, the restaurant has garnered a dedicated fanbase since serving its first set of customers nearly two decades ago. Fast forward to the present day, and I now count myself among its newest admirers.
Akshaya’s assistant manager Bhanu and chef Raju(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The restaurant started from humble beginnings, catering for just 50 covers in a smaller venue nearby. It was only four years ago that the Akshaya team moved into the Picture Drome, which was previously a Wetherspoon pub and a cinema.
It’s the sort of establishment you’d opt for when celebrating an anniversary or, like the group of seven ladies seated opposite us, a birthday meal. And rest assured, you’d be in capable hands if you chose to dine here.
The team’s commitment to customer service didn’t go unnoticed during my visit. The staff were incredibly accommodating, providing honest advice and assuring me that I could handle the spice level.
They had everything perfectly organised, catering to all our needs and answering every question from my friend. It was a prime example of excellent customer service.
The cocktail bar (Image: Liverpool Echo)
From the initial interactions, it was clear that the food would be just as impressive, if not more so. It was obvious we were dealing with professionals in this joint.
Our meals arrived within 10 minutes of us ordering – albeit there were only three tables occupied at the time. We chose two different curries, a butter chicken and lamb korma, a portion of spicy chips, some pilau rice and a peshwari naan.
When it arrived, my initial thought was that it wouldn’t be sufficient for the two of us. There was no more than six pieces of meat on each plate. However, now with hindsight, don’t let the quantity fool you – it turned out to be more enough given the chunkiness of each bite.
Akshaya restaurant from the outside in Kensington, Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Having skipped lunch in anticipation of this meal, I didn’t hesitate and dove right in. The lamb korma was perfectly mild and creamy, with tender meat bathed in a rich, thick yoghurt sauce. It was the perfect consistency to be scooped up by the naan.
I usually prefer a strong coconut flavour from the naan, but this was subtle enough to allow appreciation of every other flavour on the table – and believe me, there were plenty. The distinctive flavour of the butter chicken struck a balance between slight sweetness, richness, and warmth.
Despite the culinary delights on offer, it’s not the food I’ve been raving about to anyone who’ll lend an ear in the past 24 hours. When asked about my evening out, the first thing that springs to mind is the restaurant’s lavish interior.
Inside Akshaya restaurant (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Immediately entering The Picture Drome Akshaya, you’re met with mood lighting and an unmistakable air of sophistication.
The restaurant is adorned with natural elements to bring a touch of the great outdoors indoors, featuring blossom trees, lush greenery, wooden furnishings, and a substantial fish tank – the latter being the cause of my frequent lapses in conversation.
The interior truly sets itself apart from its external surroundings, particularly on a dreary, blustery evening when you’re seeking refuge from the elements. My only regret? Not dressing nicer to get a new Instagram profile picture with the lavish backdrop.
Akshaya receipt
- Butter chicken – £10.90
- Lamb Korma- £11.90
- Peshwari naan – £5.90
- Pilau rice – £4.90
- Spiced chips – £3.50
- Chocolate ice cream cone – £2.50
- Mint chocolate ice cream cone – £2.50
- Coca Cola Zero (x3) – £12
Total: £54.10