Barbar elephant

**Spiced Festivities: A Mixed Review of “Christmas Curry” at Barbar Elephant**

Nestled in the heart of Billinge, Barbar Elephant hosted its much-anticipated “Christmas Curry” event on December 13, 2025, offering an evening that promised warmth and flavor amidst the chill of the holiday season. The reviews from attendees revealed a night of culinary highs and service stumbles, painting a vivid picture of this local dining experience.

The culinary offerings leaned towards the favorable, with the food scoring an average of 5.5 out of 8. The standout dish, a Tikka Massala, intrigued diners with its unique twist on the traditional sauce—a house special that diverged slightly from the classic massala while still pleasing to those devoted to its flavors. The curry, described as “tasty” by one attendee, anchored the menu with its robust spices and satisfying richness.

Service, however, was a point of contention amongst diners, scoring a modest 5 out of 8 overall. One reviewer praised the attentiveness of the staff, remarking on the promptness with which drinks were offered—albeit repeatedly, which humorously underscored the enthusiasm for hospitality. Meanwhile, another guest experienced the service as a “hit and miss” affair. Technical glitches with staff tablets led to repeated orders, and lapses in communication resulted in a few culinary mishaps: an extra lamb samosa here, a missing rice there. In a small, relatable twist, the group of seven found themselves with an extra poppadom, leading to the familiar dilemma of the lone, unclaimed appetizer.

The decor of Barbar Elephant, rated at 4.5 out of 8, was described as average. One reviewer noted the absence of features they had hoped for, like leather-padded walls, and another mentioned a seating area in a seemingly new extension of the restaurant. This newness, though visually appealing to some, appeared to challenge the staff’s order-taking abilities, hinting at teething problems in the restaurant’s expansion.

Price-wise, the event was deemed accessible, with an average score of 4 out of 5. This suggests that while the meal was not the cheapest option in town, it offered reasonable value, particularly for an event of this nature in a region dense with curry options.

Overall, Barbar Elephant’s “Christmas Curry” event garnered mixed reviews, with an average overall rating of 5 out of 8. While the food’s unique take on classic dishes impressed, the service fell short of creating a seamless dining experience. Despite these hiccups, the enthusiasm of the staff and the potential of the restaurant’s evolving space were noted as promising elements.

For diners seeking a flavorful curry with a side of local character, Barbar Elephant in Billinge presents an inviting option. With a few tweaks to service and decor, it holds the potential to rise above its current standing in the competitive landscape of curry houses. As the holiday season unfolds, it’s clear that with every poppadom and plate of spiced delight, there’s room for both improvement and enjoyment.