The Met Office might have advised people against making unnecessary journeys, but that didn’t stop diners from flocking to the Blue Fig on this snowy evening.

Evidently it would take more than a sprinkling of the white stuff to keep punters away from this Indian restaurant, which has forged itself a sterling reputation since it opened a few months ago.

Every chair in the restaurant was occupied, yet although it was busy, the service was prompt, smooth and friendly, and as soon as we stepped into the restaurant we were given a warm welcome.

We ordered a pint of Cobra, a mango lassi and some papadums to nibble on while we perused the menu. After briefly scanning it we agreed tonight would have to be a two-course affair – there were too many tempting dishes.

For starters we plumped for the Blue Fig Special for two (£8) – a platter of chicken tikka pieces, reshmi kebabs, samosas and peppers stuffed with mincemeat.

To follow I ordered the rezala (£9.95) – chicken and potato in a spicy onion sauce – while my girlfriend opted for the Korai Jeenga (£12.95) – fried jumbo prawns with peppers and onion in a mild sauce.

We also ordered a garlic naan (£2.50), mushroom rice (£2.95) and cucumber raita (£2.50) to share.

“The food will take a while, but when you taste it you’ll see why,” assured the waiter. This bold statement wasn’t unfounded. The starter was well presented but not just a pretty face, offering moreish flavours and warm spices, offset perfectly by a sweet fig sauce.

The mains that followed were also superb. My rezala was fiery yet tasty, providing sub-continental spices and a maelstrom of richer flavours. The dish was fresh, the chicken succulent and the cucumber raita accompanied it perfectly.

Meanwhile my girlfriend crowed about the Kadhai Jhinga. The prawns in this were gigantic and while the sauce was mildly spicy it didn’t mask the fresh seafood flavours.

The quality of our food was top drawer, but in the end the portions defeated us, although the staff were only too happy to box-up the leftovers so we could have them for breakfast the next day – which we did.

It’s little wonder the Blue Fig has already earned such a great reputation. It combines value for money and jovial service with food good enough for the most discerning palate. I will most certainly be back soon.