THE GREEN fields of Flockton Moor are an unlikely setting for an Indian restaurant.

But amidst the dairy cows and rolling pastures is a former public house which is home to Cinnamon Lounge.

In the four years since it opened in the old agricultural pub, the restaurant has created a reputation for being a little bit different from other Indian eateries, with unique ‘home style’ dishes, an impressive wine list and upmarket decor.

The formula has proven successful for owners Sam Miah and his brothers. Two years ago they opened Cinnamon Lounge at Horbury Bridge and followed up with Ruby’s Lounge in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, this May.

Despite the limitations of the Examiner budget, I threw caution to the wind and called in reinforcements so that we could sample a full range of dishes. So on Bank Holiday Sunday, four of us set out to Flockton Moor to give it a go.

Thank goodness we had booked. We entered a packed bar to see the couple in front heading back out due to the restaurant being fully booked.

First impressions were of a bustling, trendy bar with a contemporary restaurant behind. No hint of maroon flock wallpaper here.

The comfortable ivory leather seats matched the damask tablecloths. Perhaps not the best colour choice for a restaurant serving rich curry sauces, but the waiter assured us they had an excellent laundry service.

The artistic water feature on the wall was perfectly complemented by our waiter’s innovative and self-styled ‘crown of thorns’ haircut. His fascinating coiffure defies description, but was in itself worth the visit. The service was good – attentive and polite.

Once seated, we promptly ordered four pints of Kingfisher lager at £3.10 (as designated driver, mine was a shandy). Our popadoms and pickles, for which we were not charged, were tastefully presented on modern white crockery. As well as the usual suspects, there was an interesting garlic pickle.

The extensive menu covered the usual curries such as korma, bhuna, madras, rogan josh, dansak, biriani and dopiaza.

What’s different at Cinammon Lounge is the wide range of original ‘home style’ dishes.

First item on the starter menu is the Darren Gough Special Platter which, like the man himself, is a big meaty dish.

Goughie is a regular visitor to the restaurant and his signed bat proudly on display in the bar is testament to the Miah brothers’ love of cricket and support for Yorkshire and England.

We were tempted, but finally settled on more modest fare of chicken tikka, king prawn butterfly, chicken chaat and, feeling adventurous, liver tikka.

Jo, a self-confessed liver lover, described the last item as “absolutely delicious, five star”. It was tender and moist with a wonderfully delicate hint of tandoori, as was the chicken tikka. The quality of meat throughout the meal was good.

The chaat was a fusion of flavour and spices and set our taste buds alight. The prices are pretty reasonable for the quality of food, although we thought the single butterfly prawn at £4.10 was a bit steep.

We ordered three mains and two side dishes of tarka dahl (lentils) and saag paneer (spinach with white cheese cubes), both £2.95. The latter was a bit too much paneer and not quite enough saag and the lentils were bland. They lacked seasoning and that lovely smoky taste you often get with this dish.

Having said that, the main courses were both different and delicious.

Posh Spice was a big hit. This rich curry was made with coconut, cream, sugar, eggs and mango pulp. It’s a must-try for anyone who likes a mild, sweet curry.

Our second favourite was another new dish, lamb parsi, which apparently originated in Persia. Not unlike the chaat, it blends garlic, spring onion, ginger, chillies, tomatoes, lemon and chickpeas to create a finely balanced medium curry.

The chicken in the haandi curry was again tender and succulent.

Verdict: A very good meal, fine dining Indian-style at reasonable prices.

Cinnamon Lounge

17 Paul Lane, Flockton Moor, Wakefield, WF4 4BP

Tel 01924 840888

Website www.thecinnamonlounge.co.uk

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 5pm to 11pm, Sunday 3pm to 10.30pm.

Children Welcome, they comprise 20% of the clientele

Disabled access Full access including toilet

The bill £17 a head, including drinks

Would you go back? Yes, Jo is already planning to take her parents