Hajee's is housed in a listed building which, perversely for a 'strictly no alcohol' eatery, used to be a Sparkhill pub where, in its heyday, even Irish navvies trod carefully. On my Monday visit, there was encouragingly hardly a spare table in its cosy surroundings which had an almost 'Amsterdamish' feel. In fact the inside was an eclectic mix of themes ... a sort of Snowshill Manor of the curry scene. There was even some flock wallpaper which deserved to be listed in it's own right.

Service was prompt but friendly and as there were three of us eating, we decided on an inauthentic whole Chicken Peri Peri ... cut up into portions it was succulent and tasty.

Main courses were Lamb Handi - tender pieces of lamb in a clay pot with some spicy chillies and a Chicken Achari which had us all pickled pink. Accompanying Naan breads were spot on ... moist without being greasy. In fact my Cheesy Naan was in the Des O'Connor category.

The only slight disappointment was my synthetic sweet ... a coconut ice cream concoction. However this shouldn't detract from a tasty meal and excellent service. Finally full marks for an honest sounding menu which described its Ghosht Shooraywalla as ' ... served in a watery sauce!'

For the culinary brave, Punjabi delicacies include sheep's brains, trotters and lamb tripe.

ANDY MUNRO