MY PARTNER and I first passed The Mango Tree in Kirkby Stephen about a year ago, and saw that it had great online reviews. It was closed at the time but we said we would like to go and try it out.

We finally made the drive over from Kendal, and what a treat awaited us. The restaurant was quiet as we arrived, although it is obviously popular, and we were glad we had booked as it quickly filled.

We started our meal with poppadoms and a tray of the usual assortment of chutneys – mango, raita, onions and cucumber, and a fourth which we thought was tomato – as we picked our mains from the menu. These were a great appetiser, although there was a tempting assortment of starters on offer.

From among an array of chef and house specials, as well as the standard kormas, dansaks and dupiazas, I settled on the chicken tikka bhuna while Aaron went for a chicken tikka Ceylon. We also shared sides of rice and a garlic nan.

My bhuna was delicious – just the right amount of spice and flavour for my palate, and full of big chunks of tasty chicken. Even though it is described as having a dry sauce, there was plenty to mop up with the bread.

Aaron said his Ceylon, which had chilli, lemon juice and coconut cream, was very tasty and satisfied his craving for something hot and flavoured.

We washed the meal down with Cobra and Kingfisher beers and were left very happy. In all, it was the perfect portion size for the two of us to share bits of each other’s.

There was a slight tail-off in service at the end of the meal when we were ready to pay and leave. The restaurant was fairly busy so it was understandable.

We thought the meal was well worth the drive over to Kirkby Stephen from Kendal, although it’s probably a good job we don’t live next door or we might be in trouble.

The cost of two main meals with sides, excluding drinks, was £24.75.

VERDICT

  • Food: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 8