134 Ashley Road, Hale WA14 2UN
Telephone 0161 928 3696

The suggestion of an early evening dinner out was a good idea but when topped with the offer of a curry it swiftly became a ‘must’. We chose the Cinnamon in Hale. Th e restaurant is close to the crossing gates and there is free parking in the station car park. It was quite busy for 6.30 on Tuesday evening. We were warmly greeted and seated. The restaurant is cosy (an estate agent would call it bijou), nicely laid out and well decorated.

The bar is gleaming and the whole place looks spotlessly clean. Th e aromas wafting from the kitchen are very appetising. We ordered a bottle of lager for me and a glass of wine for my companion. Two glasses of iced water also arrived and there was no pressure to buy bottled. We had poppadoms to keep us going whist we perused the menu. Th e menu is comprehensive, offering selections of meats, fish, chicken and vegetables cooked in many of the traditional Indian ways. Of my favourites was on the list of starters, prawn puree. We shared this between and there was plenty of it. However, I thought the subtle taste was masked by a strong presence of pepper. I chose Chicken Karahi whilst my companion had a creamy chicken Passanda. On the side we ordered a Keema Naan and Pilau Rice. Again I thought I tasted pepper above the other lovely spices and fl avours that were trying to make an appearance in the Chicken Karahi.

My companion’s off ering was delicious (I just had to try it). It is nice to see a restaurant this busy in the early evening. All in all, this was a pleasant dining experience. I notice they also do a take away service.

The staff were very polite and helpful and at the end of the meal presented my lady companion with a 2010 calendar and a rose. Th is was a very nice touch. In turn, was presented with the bill, was a reasonable £35.

Will we return? Yes, worth another visit.

Our verdict
Atmosphere: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Food: 7/10