The Calder Valley has long been an enticing area for a meal out – after all, the scenery’s not bad either.

Drive through Sowerby Bridge and then along through Ripponden to Rishworth and you’re spoiled for choice with the range on offer. Sowerby Bridge in itself is something of a dining hub.

But one that catches you out is the Cinnamon Lounge – for just when you think you’ve seen them all this looms up large at the side of the road.

And it’s deceptive – nay almost Tardis-like – as the restaurant is built on a hillside and there are two large dining areas inside.

It’s spacious, the lighting is just right – not too bright, not too dark – and with its beige and aubergine walls the whole place has a relaxed, friendly feel to it.

This is an Indian restaurant that clearly prides itself on its cultural – and cuisine – heritage. The dishes here are from family recipes rather than pandering to western tastes. The aim is to be authentic.

The chefs use only free range meat, the dishes are low in fat (tuck in without having too much fear of the calories) and there’s no artificial colouring.

There’s also a pride with their welcome – they’re clearly pleased to see the customers walk in – and can even help the forgetful ones.

That’s us. Four of us – me, wife Ruth and chums Richard and Bev – and every one had forgotten reading specs.

Cue comedy moment. We asked if they had any glasses behind the bar. The barman promptly produced a couple of beer glasses – and then, quite rightly, thought it a hoot that it’s not the glasses we had in mind. But they did have a couple of pairs which helped to read the menu where the writing is a tad on the small side.

And so to the starters.

Ruth opted for Aloo Chat Puri (£3.95) diced potatoes cooked with roasted cumin seeds and a blend of chaat massala which proved you don’t need meat for something to get those eager taste buds straight into action. It was laid on the chat with the flavours delicate rather than pushy.

It’s rare I’ll have king prawns at home. In fact, I’ll be honest, it never happens so the garlic king prawns (£4.95), lightly fried, garnished with onion and capsicums, proved too much to resist. They were certainly regal enough, cooked with peppers, and were a great light starter for the heavier stuff to come.

Richard’s Machili Sukka (£3.95), fish laced with sweet and sour sauce and deep fried in a crispy batter came with a sauce that begged to have every chunk dipped in it. The sauce looked creamy but that was just a deception. It had a kick like a mule with clogs on.

Cinnamon Lounge, Rishworth. Machili Sukka, fish laced with sweet and sour sauce and deep fried in a crispy batter

And Bev’s Boti Kebab (£4.50) – skewered barbecued pieces of marinated lamb cooked with fresh curry leaves, rosemary and coriander – was probably the most eye-catching in terms of its appearance. Tender meat with plenty of onions – that’s something to try on the barbie if we ever get a summer.

On to the mains. One thing that stands out is the portion sizes. You sure do get a dishful.

Richard’s Tandoori Butter Chicken (£8.95) is one for the sauce lovers who can dip the naan in to their heart’s content.

My Bahar-E-Murgh (£9.95) was delicate pieces of barbecued chicken fillets in a medium spicy sauce with onions, tomatoes and coriander, topped with sauteed and richly flavoured mushrooms and mincemeat. A bit different – the mince was just a topping so didn’t interfere with the chicken – with onion and tomato the dominant flavours amid the spice.

Ruth’s Chicken Akbari (£8.95) has garlic, onions and green peppers fried in a spicy hot sauce and garnished with sauteed onions, peppers, fresh tomatoes and coriander leaves. Anyone who doesn’t get the myriad of flavours in there really needs their tastebuds checking out while Bev’s Chicken Saagwala (£6.75) was a vibrant dish featuring mustard oil, fresh spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and coriander in a leaf spinach base. Yep, another busy dish.

Now between us it’s fair to say we’ve downed a few curries in our time, but the Cinnamon Lounge’s authenticity in the ingredients, flavours and presentation means we’ll be off there again. And there was even enough to take home.

Oldham Road, Rishworth, HX6 4EW

Tel: 01422 822838 or 01422 822104

Website: www.cinnamonloungerishworth.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday

5pm-11pm; Friday and Saturday 5pm-12am

Sunday Buffet 1pm-4pm and open until 11pm

Children: Welcome

Disabled access: Ideal as it’s a very roomy restaurant with a disabled toilet

The bill: £86.35 for four including drinks and a bottle of wine

Would you go back? Certainly – we may try the family buffet on Sundays from 1-4pm with under 5s free