A WEEK too hectic to describe meant the countdown to this particular Friday night takeaway was more than usually flavoured with anticipation. And being world-weary types who have eaten far too many takeaways, we inevitably didn’t pitch our expectations too high.

However, I am delighted to report that the Wimborne Views Szechuan Feast (£20.50 per person) was a truly scrumptious surprise. Every mouthful was expertly cooked and delicious.

Our feast began with chicken satay, wonderfully tender and steeped in a crunchy peanutty sauce; the crispy lamb was complemented with a tangy fruity sauce and there were seaweed and prawn crackers which proved wonderfully light and crispy.

This was followed by crispy aromatic duck in pancakes, with a rich hoisin sauce – all first rate.

There were four main courses to follow. The sizzling Szechuan style chicken had a real chilli kick and a satisfying smooth depth of flavour. The stir fried beef with chilli and four kinds of vegetable was equally tender. The mixed vegetable dish was refreshing, its lightness allowing the delicate flavour of the vegetables to come through. The ‘Sea spice’ king prawns with garlic sauce were equally excellent – with succulent plump prawns in a garlic sauce that was delicious and not at all overwhelming. All four main dishes offered interesting, contrasting flavours in generous portions and everything was excellent.

Our feast was polished off with a pudding of toffee apples – sweet tasty apples encased in a crispy batter shell – a perfect finale.