INVITING a bunch of strangers round for a meal used to be the preserve of hit TV show Come Dine With Me.

But for one Huddersfield woman her love of entertaining was so great she decided to emulate the popular programme and launch Yorkshire’s first secret restaurant.

The craze of opening underground restaurants began in the USA where they were known as supper clubs.

A cross between a restaurant and a dinner party, up to 28 paying guests can descend on a mystery location in Birkby for a slap-up three-course dinner complete with waiter service.

There are now two in Leeds, but Huddersfield was first to the party when the cooking enthusiast – known only as Mithu – launched the Birkby Lodge Dining Club late last year.

The 48-year-old has no formal catering qualifications but declares herself an excellent chef and says despite underground restaurants being in a legal grey area, she has got all her food hygiene certificates and has been inspected by Kirklees Council officials.

Mithu said her interest in launching an underground restaurant was sparked during a culinary trip to France last year with her husband.

She said: “We went to quite an intimate restaurant and when I went to the ladies I realised it was part of their house.

“I also read that Jo Wood (ex-wife of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood) had set one up and it all sort of clicked.

“I thought I would have a go myself as I’m a keen cook and I love entertaining.

“I’m a very good cook because I’m from a diverse background. I’m Indian and my husband is half Ukrainian and I go to France a lot.”

Unlike most Huddersfield restaurants, Mithu’s doors only open to paying customers once a month.

But as with all good things, exclusivity breeds popularity, and the restaurant has been fully booked since its inception six months ago.

It has also been reviewed by The Sunday Times and a host of supper club websites.

“I think the reason I’ve been busy is I change the theme each month,” said Mithu.

“Around Christmas it was a gastro pub theme and with me being Indian people always say I should do curry.

“We did ‘Best of British’ for the royal wedding and next week it’s tapas and then after that French.

“I don’t serve alcohol but people can bring their own drinks.

“It’s popular because they get a meal that’s well cooked, it’s a bohemian atmosphere in a lovely listed cottage and they’re not rushed, they can stay most of the night.

“I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with the comments, people are saying the food’s good and 50 or 60% have rebooked, which speaks volumes.

“People thinks it’s good value for money and they often meet interesting like minded people.”

Always the entrepreneur, Mithu is now planning to link up with top Huddersfield pub The Sportsman to launch foreign beer tasting experiences.

She also does private parties and allows local artists to exhibit their work in her house for free.

If you want to eat at Mithu’s search for Birkby Lodge Dining Club on the internet.

Just don’t tell anyone where it is!