The Coconut Tree

As an immigrant with no prior curry-​eating experience before moving to the UK, I’m a bit surprised at my bizarre penchant for that glorious Indian manna from heaven. You’d think as a Yank, I’d favour candy over curry.
Naturally, I just had to sample an offering from The Coconut Tree, the latest Indian restaurant to inhabit the tiny alcove off East Street in Llantwit Major.
The Coconut Tree has big shoes to fill, as it has replaced what used to be Gateway of India, arguably the best Indian eatery in these parts.
Regrettably, we found the new incarnation falls short of its predecessor. While we were suitably happy with our dishes, there wasn’t much to discern it from many of the other curries I’ve tried.
I’m big on the little things, and I find it sways me in one direction or another when deciding on whether to dine in a restaurant a second time: scrimping on lime pickle (one heaped teaspoon for two people? Really?), staff hovering while we perused the menu, and then being told the card machine was broken when choosing to pay by credit card.
The last element struck me strange. I confessed I had no cash on me and asked where the nearest cash point was located. He then said he’d check if the device was working, and promptly returned with the card machine.
Maybe ordering a takeaway is the better option, although I’m in no rush to find out.