In 1864, the northwest Himalayan hill-station of Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. And thanks to restaurants such as the Simla Indian in Kimberley, a town six miles northwest of Nottingham, the association stays strong to this day.

The smart dining place is especially known for its warm service and tasty dishes that according to many diners are the best in the area. Welcoming and contemporary, soft lights and soothing background music play their parts in making you feel comfortable.

The Simla menu offers favourites such as mixed kebabs and onion bhaji, but unusual creations of bell peppers stuffed with mushrooms and garlic king prawns always please. Look out for the lamb tandoori, and curries such as the Madras and vindaloo, which range from hot to very hot in that order. The chef offers specials of buttery makhani tandoori chicken and a Kashmiri korma where your choice of meat is cooked with yoghurt, fresh cream, and spices.

A short but exciting wine list completes the picture.