DELIGHT SPICE: Delightful food

THEY have got so much right at Delight Spice but are in danger of letting it all go to waste for not paying attention to the detail.

First and foremost, let me make it clear that the food is excellent.

They even have their chefs working in areas visible to some of the diners so they can see exactly what is being prepared.

But as we were being shown to our table there was a sense of a venue not quite finished.

I know that they have recently extended into the back to make a larger function room.

But electric light fitments laid bare, and skirting boards hanging loose are not areas in which you would choose to dine.

You can make excuses but when I checked up back in the office the next day, the wires to speakers for the sound system that are helped up on the wall with nails were on images taken back in 2006!

As I say, a real pity, because if you went along for the first time you might not go back - and the food does not deserve to be dismissed.

But this is an ultra-competitive market and curry eaters have plenty of choice.

And the environment in which you are dining does matter. You find your eyes constantly dragged to umpteen things that if this was your own dining room and the builders had been in, you'd have them back tomorrow to sort out a lengthy snag list.

We'd arrived hungry after a bracing walk from Shaw - it's tough trying to do two pieces of research at the same time when they as diametrically opposed as losing weight and food reviewing.

So we nibbled on a popadum while scanning the menu and decided that if we shared a chicken chat puri it wouldn't be too harsh on the hips.

The other was a mixed starter that was brought to the table sizzling in fried onions and was delicious.

The chat too was hot, just spicy enough and full of flavour.

We had been offered the fantastic £9.95 meal deal but decided that we would not be constrained into not having other dishes.

Nevertheless that's a great price for popadum, starter and main.

Mrs W was taken by a chicken tikka Kathmandu while I spied the hot and spicy description of the Samber and went for the special mixed option of chicken, lamb and prawns.

We added to that with a couple of chapatis (nan not a diet option), pilau rice and a portion of sag aloo (spinach and potatoes).

Both our main dishes had plenty of kick to them and I was particularly impressed with the tender lamb.

We didn't quite finish off the dishes but gave it a good go.

A couple of drinks each and the bill came to £36 but we did afford ourselves the luxury of a taxi home rather than another long walk.

I'd like to say we'll be back. In fact we will be back - when we see the 'refurbishment

complete' advert. All snags included.