THE last time I went to the Akash was over a year ago and, arriving for a meal late on a Saturday night, we were warmly welcomed by staff — without a booking.

It was good to see that nothing had changed — the place is clean and the atmosphere is cosy, especially in the side booths where we were seated.

Looking forward to a good meal, my dining partner and I were ready to enjoy the quality food that the Indian restaurant has a reputation for.

Along with our drinks, fresh popadoms were delivered with all the trimmings — mango and chopped onions with chilli sauce and coconut.

Fresh, crispy and hot — just how we like them.

A vegetable samosa was my choice of starter. Served packed with veg and a side salad, I wasn’t disappointed.

For my main meal I was tempted by a prawn balti with pilau rice. The prawns were fresh with just the right amount of spices added to the sauce with a nice kick.

My partner went for a lamb bhuna with boiled rice and a garlic naan. The soft and tender meat with chunks of fresh veg in the sauce had me questioning my own choice.

With a busy restaurant, the staff were still on-hand to ask if everything was OK, providing a good service even under pressure.

After a button-busting meal, I couldn’t look at the dessert menu but, unlike most Indian restaurants, the Akash seems to offer a good dessert menu with children’s ice creams and chocolate cake.

The bill came to £30, which is great value.

The Akash is one of three main restaurants on Darwen’s main Road but, if you are stuck for choice, it is well-worth the visit.