Ashoka Ashton Lane Gets New Look and New Thali Menu The Ashoka Ashton Lane, the jewel in the crown of Harlequin Leisure Group, Europe's largest chain of Indian restaurants, has reopened with a complete new look, new chef - and new Thali menu. The flagship restaurant has been given a comprehensive facelift with a fresh, contemporary, candlelit orange interior that's bound to appeal to its regular clientele and attract many new diners through its doors. Sanjay Majhu, chief executive, said, 'The Ashoka Ashton Lane has long been the star performer at Harlequin and we felt that the time was now right to reward her sterling efforts with an extreme makeover that give her a vibrant new look - and a new Thali menu too. Aimed at local students and residents looking for a good deal, our Thali menu offers an Indian Tapas experience at a very good price.' Priced at only £4.95, and available from 12 noon till 5pm, the new thali style quick lunch gives diners a choice of a vegetable or chicken pakora starter, fried or boiled rice and a range of curries, including chicken tikka chasni, lamb bhoona, chicken korma, mixed vegetable masala and special Karachi chicken bhoona. It also includes popadoms, spiced onions and tantalising coriander raita. Leading franchisee Nasreen Aksi, said, 'With her bold makeover and new menu, the Ashoka Ashton Lane is all set to continue to lead the way for the Harlequin group. But though we've launched a new lunch-time Thali menu, our regular evening diners can rest reassured that we will continue to offer their favourite pre-theatre and a la carte menus.'         top