I FIRST heard of Kashmir Restaurant a couple of months ago at Christchurch Junior School, where I was photographing chef Nimur Islam demonstrating the art of Indian cookery to an enthralled group of pupils.

His patience and charm with the children and the delicious aroma of the food made me want to try out the restaurant.

I realise I must have driven past it dozens of times, for it is set back from Stanpit road, near to the Purewell roundabout.

But it is an unremarkable looking place, and I’ve never actually noticed it.

My first attempt at going was thwarted because they were fully booked, and my second came close to a similar fate.

When we arrived at what is a compact and simple establishment there were only a couple of spare tables.

Many of the diners who were busy tucking into their meals were obviously regulars.

Their food looked really good, and as soon as we saw the menu, we knew that this was likely to be an excellent dinner.

This is not an ordinary Indian restaurant.

For a start, there are only nine tables.

The decor is bright and cheerful with abstract paintings on the walls and on each table an ethnic lantern and plates with a chilli motif.

The menu includes a number of interesting fish dishes, as well as lamb, beef, chicken and several vegetarian options.

My husband started with Moules Pondichery, a bowl of mussels, spiced with chilli, served in a bowl of cooking liquor.

He said they tasted gorgeous, though balancing the spent mussel shells in the small receptacle provided was quite an art.

I started with vegetable samosas, served with a sweet chilli dip and fresh salad garnish.

I really like samosas and these were particularly good ones.

We followed with Goan fish curry, bite-sized pieces of monkfish cooked in coconut milk with Indian spices and served with basmati rice.

The sauce was well flavoured, and complemented the fish, rather than masking its flavour.

Murg Kala Mirch, a chicken dish with a medium curry sauce, was spicy but not too hot. We chose plain naan bread to accompany this.

With a particularly good spinach and potato saag aloo, and a mixed vegetable stir fry, sabzi bhaji, which had excellent flavours, the meal was delicious.

The restaurant has a charming atmosphere, and we found the whole experience really relaxing and enjoyable.

As we ate and chatted, various tables emptied, soon to be replaced by new customers, so I would recommend booking this obviously popular restaurant, as I am sure it is often full.

There is ample parking outside.

Our meal for two, including two pints of Cobra beer, came to £38.55.