MOST people have a favourite curry house around the corner, and ours has always been the Westbourne Tandoori.

We’ve been eating here for around 20 years and the food and service is always consistently good. There was a bit of a blip a year ago following a slip in its food hygiene rating, but they were soon back on track and now boost the full five stars.

Although we get a takeaway at least every other week, we decided to celebrate a family event with a meal in the restaurant.

After a warm welcome, we were given one of the comfortable side booths. Everything is reassuringly traditional from the patterned carpets and crockery through to the flock wallpaper.

The same goes with the food. The menu has stayed pretty much the same over the years.

I know it’s unimaginative, but we usually order butter chicken (one of the chef’s specials) because nobody does it better. Chunks of barbecued chicken breast cooked in fresh cream and garnished with almonds and pistachio nuts.

It’s not for the calorie conscious or for those looking for a chilli hit. The sauce is thick, creamy and mild and served with a little pat of butter melting in the centre.

The same goes for the sag aloo, one of our favourite side dishes here, which is always packed with potatoes, spinach, onion, a few chunks of fresh tomato and medium spiced.

For a change, I also ordered chicken pathia, which was a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours, I could really taste the coconut but there was enough of a spicy kick to leave your taste buds tingling.

My husband’s chicken madras was full of different flavours and textures and had plenty of curry heat – they don’t skimp on the ghee either.

The naan breads which were so large they were hanging off the platter, were soft, light, and perfectly cooked.

The children were even given a couple of ice creams on the house.

So if you’re weary of the contemporary Asian food fad and are in need of traditional (Anglo) Indian cuisine, then this place is a safe bet.

What’s more, the service is always excellent and the staff really take care of their regulars.

OUR BILL:

Butter chicken £8.95

Chicken madras £5.75

Sag Aloo £3.45

2 pilau rice £4.70

2 naan £4.70

2 Kingfisher beers £5.46

TOTAL £33.01