dark wooden furniture compliment both the wall ornaments and the carved wooden elephant that guards the well stocked bar. Overall, the interior design is refreshingly modern, these light touches preventing the atmosphere from descending into the overbearing kitsch of so many other Indian restaurants. Having begun our meal with the nigh-obligatory papadoms (ironically devoid of mango chutney but accompanied by a tangy raitha dip) we ordered samosas and onion bhajees to start. Both were satisfying in that fried-food way, but not greasy, and came with fresh mixed salad to brighten up the plate.

The sheer amount of options for mains could then have left us at a loss, but luckily Chutney Joe has divided the menu into several sections. The tandoor section provides options for those looking for traditional dishes cooked in the clay oven. We chose the hasina, which came out sizzling, the juices of its tender lamb pieces mixing with caramelised onions and tomatoes in the dish. The restaurant's naans are also baked in this oven, with the glazed peshwari naan our stand-out favourite.

Alongside these, a collection of classics contains all the old favourites. Our lamb madras proved surprisingly spicy, with complex flavours nosing through the kick of the hot red chilli puree that makes up the base of the sauce.

The Nepalese collection offers several authentic dishes; one called 'Taste of Nepal' is sure to appeal to more adventurous diners looking for a way to begin exploring the cuisine of a region that they have never before sampled. As well as extras such as our choice of stuffed paratha, a selection of birianis and a host of vegetable side dishes round out the menu.

For desserts, several Movenpick ice cream desserts are available to cool your palate, which is something we really should have considered! Instead we left the restaurant to let the night air do the work, buoyed by a kind farewell from the staff and the reassuring shape of the female statue near the door, almost waving us goodbye.