The promise of warming spices and wholesome Indian food was an appetising prospect on a chilly February evening. Famed in the locale for its fine Indian fare and impeccable service, the Cottage Balti boasts a chic, modern appearance but a truly traditional menu – chock-full of curries, tandoori dishes and, as the name would suggest, balti dishes, which are available to eat-in upstairs or downstairs or take away. Welcoming staff are attentive without being obtrusive and will happily deliver the ideal accompaniment: a cool draught of Cobra beer. Traditional samosas, pakoras and bhajis make superb starters. For your main course, the lamb jalfrezi with pilau rice and peshwari naan bread comes highly recommended; a succulent and tasty dish which packed just the right amount of heat. Appealing to many a palate at just the right price, Cottage Balti should certainly be on your culinary hit list.