WHEN you walk into a restaurant at 7.30pm on a wet Thursday night and it is packed, you know you are probably onto a winner.

And that is certainly the case at The Spice of India in Cuerdley.

Formerly a pub, the eaterie is now in the hands of a third generation of cooks and restaurantuers who serve up some of the best Indian food around.

Because not only will you find the usual array of Indian favourites such as tikka, vindaloo and korma, but a variety of fish, steak and lamb shank dishes.

After a generous helping of poppadoms and chutneys (and we got to keep the chutneys to enjoy with the rest of the meal, which I always find to be a nice touch) we tucked into our starters.

My girlfriend enjoyed the chicken chat served on a crisp yet tasty dough that was not as oily as I have tasted elsewhere.

I meanwhile enjoyed a tikka tandoori dish, with beautifully cooked chicken - still juicy and tender.

But the real treat was the main. A Karahi fish – not a dish I had tried anywhere before but (as the excellent waiters, who were experts on the dishes on the menu, explained) it was one of the best meals they served.

And he was not wrong.

Subtle flavours of garlic, ginger and capsicum with really well cooked fish –- it was incredibly good. All served with a Kulch nan, one of seven varieties to choose from.

And my girlfriend enjoyed her Makhani chicken cooked in sauce with fragrant spices, ground almond butter cream and cheese, although perhaps too much cheese for her taste.

And with a tea or coffee your bill will be £9.95 each – for all courses – a bit more for steak and some fish, at any time, any day of the week.

It is incredible value. Coupled with the great food, no wonder it was packed. And we will be back again to add to the crowd.