SPICE Essence's menu is packed with tasty Indian cuisine and lots of speciality dishes.

This was my second trip to the rooftop venue, sitting above the shops of Kirkby Lonsdale. On my first I thought there was just a handful of tables inside but on my second visit I realised there was a large room hidden at the back – decked out with plush leather seating, low wooden beams and calming pictures from around the world.

Waiters were waiting to greet people as they walked in, and throughout the meal they were on hand to make sure we had all that we needed.

For my double starter I opted for poppadoms with a chutney tray and an onion bhaji – and it was the biggest bhaji I have ever seen.

It was made up of crispy interwoven onions with a light toasting of spices. All the poppadoms seemed freshly made and there was a good amount of chutney.

My friend had a long beef kebab starter, which he said was very nice but not as impressive as my bhaji.

Our main course was then swiftly brought out. I love the tradition in Indian restaurants of wheeling the food out on a tray - it makes it feel so much more of event.

I had vegetable madras with boiled rice and peshwari naan and my friend a chicken Rogan Josh. Both these dishes were delicious.

There was a good amount of spice and vegetables in my dish. The naan was also very soft and had lots of coconut.

We both had two Cobras with our meals, which was on tap.

* Total cost - £28 for three starters and two main courses (excluding drinks).