Suki's, Darlaston

The Fallings Heath Tavern in Darlaston has been transformed beyond all recognition into a contemporary, stylish and comfortable restaurant.

I visited Suki's Bar and Indian Restaurant for a meal on Tuesday evening and would give the service, decor and food top marks.

The bill came to £38.10 and that covered four drinks, two starters, two main meals, a portion of rice, chips and a garlic naan bread.

The exterior does not do the interior justice and, for this reason, I recommend diners look past the uninspiring surroundings and venture into the Walsall Road building.

Opened in April, it is run by the son and daughter of Suresh - known as Suki - Patel, landlord of The Vine in West Bromwich.

Bharat and Hema took it on in 2005 and unveiled its new look earlier this year.

My boyfriend Stuart and I booked a table for 7.30pm on the same day and were able to park on the ample car park next door to Suki's.

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked through the door to be met by a warmly lit bar and restaurant, with luxury, high-back, padded chairs and large tables, eye-catching decor and smiling staff.

The bar is immediately opposite the door and to the left, as you walk in, is the restaurant area while seating for the bar is on the right.

Past the bar, at the other end of the large room, is space for large gatherings, indeed there was a party enjoying a meal when we visited.

Some may think it too early, but I was thrilled to see a Christmas tree up in the entrance, snowflake decorations hanging from the ceiling, illuminated stars in the windows and two sparkly reindeers perching on the bar.

We were greeted and seated by a member of staff who took our drinks order while we looked at the menu. I thought the range of dishes was good, there are 15 starters and countless mains.

Stu and I ordered a mixed tandoori starter, £9.95, and onion bhajis, £3.25, but other options include lamb samosa, £2.95, sheesh kebab, £3.95, and vegetable spring rolls, £3.50. When I say the starters, which are served with a fresh salad garnish and mint yoghurt dip, were delicious I am not exaggerating.

There were three bhajis, a crispy fritter of onions and spicy potatoes, and the mixed tandoori came with beautifully cooked tandoori chicken tikka, succulent lamb chops, three portions of sheesh kebab and tasty tandoori king prawns. The mixed starter is easily enough to whet the appetite of two diners.

Our waiter cleared the table of our empty plates and asked if we wanted our mains served straight away or after a break, which I thought was unusual and very good.

Around 10 minutes later he returned to find out if we were ready and we said yes.

I had chicken tikka bhuna, £5.95, while Stu ordered chicken tikka pathia, £5.95. We shared a portion of chips, £1.55, steamed rice, £1.75, and a garlic naan bread, £1.85.

Neither Stu or myself could find fault with our meals - the sauce was delicious, full of taste, and the chicken was tender and succulent. The naan bread and rice were just right and one portion of each was plenty for two to share. Other main dishes include lamb rogan josh, £6.50, king prawn massala, £8.25, biryani meals, £5.95-£8.95, Suki's specialities such as chicken clay pot, £5.95, and chilli chicken, £5.95. There is also a range of vegetarian meals, all £4.50, from aloo saag - potatoes and fresh green leaf spinach - to mutter paneer, Indian cheese combined with spicy green peas cooked in homemade spices. There are five sweets, all £4.25, including lemon cheesecake, profiteroles and toffee ice-cream, but we were too full to eat another morsel.

Incidentally, a family on a table next to us was celebrating a birthday and I thought it was lovely that the barmaid sang Happy Birthday, on her own from start to finish, as she served their desserts. Suki's is well worth a visit.

Lyndsey Hunt

Suki's Bar and Restaurant

Walsall Road, Darlaston

Tel: 0121 5688001