Babul's Barnard Castle

If you ever find yourself strolling through the charming streets of Barnard Castle, there’s one spot you can’t afford to skip-Babul's Barnard Castle, nestled right at 9 Market Place. It's the kind of place that grabs your attention with its vibrant energy, then keeps you coming back with a menu that doesn’t hold back on flavour, fusion, or flair.

Walking in, you’ll quickly notice the upbeat vibe. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch, meeting friends for dinner, or solo dining with a craving for something bold, Babul's makes it work. It’s casual, energetic, and always feels like something’s happening-especially once the cocktails start flowing. Speaking of which, their Pornstar Martini and Blue Lagoon are practically local legends, not to mention the Coffee Martini, which gives your caffeine fix a classy twist.

Now, let’s talk food, because this is where Babul’s really turns heads. The menu is a mash-up of Indian favourites with creative flair. If you're a fan of starters, the Mini Onion Bhajis and Bhel Puri are crowd-pleasers that balance crunch, spice, and tang in just the right way. They're perfect alongside a crisp Cobra Beer, especially when you’re easing into the evening.

For mains, there’s no shortage of personality. The Chicken Tikka Masala and Pilau Rice is a safe bet-rich, creamy, and comforting. But if you want to turn things up a notch, the Srilanka Prawn Curry delivers a tropical heat that lingers in the best way. The Lamb Korahi is another banger, offering bold spices with that classic sizzling skillet presentation.

Craving something a bit over-the-top? Their Chicken Tikka & Cheese Chips are just the thing for when you want indulgence without apology-crispy, gooey, and unapologetically addictive. And don’t overlook their Thali platters, which let you sample a little of everything: curries, chutneys, rice, poppadoms-the works.

For drinks that keep the vibe lively, the Strawberry Daiquiri is sweet, fruity fun in a glass, while the Machiato and other coffee-based drinks add a nice café-style break, especially if you're winding down a long afternoon of exploring town.

And here's something not every spot gets right: Babul's caters beautifully to a wide range of diets. Whether you're after vegan dishes, halal options, or organic plates, they’ve got something lined up. The Tikka Masala Starter and Poached Egg small plate options also show that they’ve put real thought into variety, not just offering the usual suspects.

Now, while the vibe inside is upbeat and energetic, the restaurant also offers outdoor seating-perfect for people-watching on warmer days. And if you're not in the mood to linger, their takeaway service ensures you don’t have to miss out. That said, for those who need wheelchair accessibility, it’s worth noting that the entrance isn’t currently adapted for wheelchair users, which is a bit of a downside in an otherwise inviting space.

Still, for most diners, Babul’s Barnard Castle hits that sweet spot between bold flavours, vibrant cocktails, and a relaxed-yet-lively dining experience. Whether you're here for the Poppadoms and Pickle Tray or diving into a late-night bite with friends over spirits and wine, this is a spot that understands both indulgence and variety.

The team knows what they’re doing-from the expertly balanced spice in their Chicken Tikka Rogan Josh to the dessert game that rounds off the experience (yes, they serve great dessert, and yes, you’ll probably order two). Whether you’re a Barnard Castle local or just passing through, this is one of those restaurants that makes its mark-and leaves you wanting one more cocktail before you go.