Royal Balti, Wellington

enjoys a pleasant child-free meal after a very busy day.

After a busy day of decorating and with a child-less evening ahead, my husband John and I decided to take advantage and went out for a meal in peace!

The last time we had dined at the Royal Balti was on a New Year's Eve several years back and I remember it being an enjoyable occasion.

We hadn't booked a table but arrived at 7pm on a Saturday thinking it would still be quiet as curry houses usually attract later diners. How wrong could I be. There were several people waiting for takeaways, delivery men taking orders out and a full restaurant.

But after taking a seat in the reception area for a maximum of 10 minutes we were shown to a table. The restaurant has undergone a revamp since we last visited, with contemporary decor, low lighting and mirrors.

It felt smart, clean and all of the staff were polite and prompt but not over eager (something which can sometimes spoil a meal).

We obviously took up the offer of poppadoms which came with more sauces and dips than we had seen at any other such restaurant and were soon polished off.

We were both very tired from our busy day but wanted to enjoy the full experience so we went for starters.

John ordered his usual chicken chatt on puree (£3.50) which came as a very generous portion of tender chicken tikka in a smooth sauce served in the light fluffy chappati bread.

I would normally follow suit but thought I'd have a change. I went for the mixed kebab (£2.95) - once again a generous portion of tender meat, sheek kebab, tandoori chicken and chicken tikka, served with fried onions and a side salad.

Although I told myself I would not be clearing the plate, I did. It was too irresistible to leave. The meat was cooked well but still remained tender and juicy with delicious flavours. John commented it was the best chicken chat on puree he had ever had.

We both enjoyed a well deserved drink - John had an indian beer and I had a white wine spritzer - while we enjoyed both a rare peaceful evening meal but also the sit down after a hectic day.

A short interval and our main courses arrived. This was where the Royal Balti differs from others. The meals were brought on a trolley by the young waiter who then proceeded to put each dish on the one-ring gas stone on top just for a few minutes. He wasn't relying on tea-lights to keep the food at temperature.

This meant despite the meals only travelling a short journey from the kitchen to the table, the meals were served piping hot. It was a welcome attention to detail.

My lamb rogan josh (£6.50) was delicious - generous chunks of lamb in a tasty traditionally spiced and fragrant sauce. I must admit the main course portion beat me but was delicious.

John went for the chicken and mushroom balti (£5.50) which exceeded his expectations - generous chunks of meat in a mild sauce. Served with pilau rice (£1.95) , fried rice (£1.95), sag aloo (£2.50) and a huge naan bread (£1.95) to share (thank goodness we didn't order one each!) we literally did fill our table.

We didn't finish all of the side orders or the naan but made a very good attempt. But it wasn't just about quantity here - it was first class service, quality and taste of the meals, extensive menu choice and a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

It is certainly the place to be and I regret we took so long to return after our last visit.

We won't be taking so long this time but judging by the packed restaurant I would advise booking in advance and not taking the risk like we did. And after paying just under £50 for two courses each, more side dishes than we needed and drinks, we were more than satisfied.

ADDRESS

Royal Balti, 1 Charlton Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1ES

Tel: (01952) 415122/415133

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

King prawn butterfly (£4.95); Chicken pakora (£3.50); Nargis kebab with egg (£2.95)

MAINS

Chicken balti dupiaza - chopped onions, spiced with fresh green herbs and methi leaves (£4.95); Korai mix special balti dish (chicken, meat and prawn traditionally cooked with fresh spices and herbs) £7.50); Vegetable or mushroom balti madras dish - hot and sour taste, extensively prepared with chilli and lemon juices (£4.50)

SIDES

Mushroom bhaji (£2.50); Tarka Dhal (lentils) (£2.50);

SUNDRIES

Garlic fried rice (£2.30); Stuffed paratha (£2.50)

DESSERTS

Banana and pineapple fritter (£1.95); Kulfi - Indian ice-cream (£1.95)