IF you did not know it was there it would be easy to miss Spice Essence.

Although it is in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale's main street it requires a beady eye to spot its small sign. Diners then have to walk up a humble alley before reaching wooden steps leading to the eatery.

But this challenging route is definitely worth it once you get inside – though it means only the most worthy eaters get to enjoy this place.

The owners have clearly aimed to keep up with the town's chichi style, decking out the venue with leather seating, sparkling chandeliers, trendy flowers and a disco-lit bar.

But the place has also somehow kept its country feel, with beams and what looks like a wood burner placed half way up the main wall.

To entertain diners while they wait for their food there is also a plasma tv screen to watch if conversation is not flowing. This was a nice addition to the room as it made the experience feel more homely and relaxed.

For my starter I had poppadoms with a selection of sauces. I love this as a beginning dish because it's light and there is loads of flavour.

The menu offered an array of classical Indian meals but my favourite is always vegetable Madras with pila rice and Peshwari naan bread.

There was a good amount of spice in the madras sauce which, as the venue suggests, is the essence to any good Indian meal. This sauce was served with a mixture of veg, including carrots, lots of potatoes, onions and peas.

The naan was a good size and had a really tasty sweet flavour to it.

Throughout the meal the army of staff was very efficient and seemed very keen to help when needed.

Verdict

  • Food: 9
  • Service: 7
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 7