For a cold Monday evening in March, the Ryde Tandoori was doing brisk business. Matt and Cat, in their dedication to this eating out diary, were amongst the clientelle - having braved the night's windchill.

The staff were attentive and friendly. The restaurant - a pleasingly traditional curry house which has eschewed laminate flooring and bright lighting - is clean and well laid out. There were no surprises on the reasonably-priced menu and, like any good Indian restaurant, a plentiful choice of well described fare. After the diners were allowed a few moments to catch up with their friends, orders were taken and poppodums produced. A few more poppodums than diners were on the plate, which betters the meagre ration offered in some restaurants.

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The main course arrived in a timely manner. Cat felt compelled to have her favourite chicken moglai balti; the dish contained generous pieces of meat served up with a delicious creamy sauce. Matt's chicken tikka bhuna was well presented with a nice garnish. Perhaps not the most generous of portion sizes but a pleasant meal nonetheless. Matt and Cat's companions chose prawn korma and, for one less adventurous diner, roasted vegetables and egg fried rice.

When the party rose to leave, almost before they were on their feet the swift and smiling staff brought from an inner room their coats and scarves - much needed on this chilly night. Each item was delivered to the right person. At the door, a waiter was on hand immediately to open the door and wish a courteous goodnight. Small touches, which might have once been taken for granted, but today such old-fashioned service is noted and appreciated.

Ryde Tandoori is centrally situated and does not have much competition. It is a classic Indian restaurant which has no pretensions to be a trendy nightclub or wine bar. The food is good and the staff are welcoming. No wonder the restaurant has been established for many years - and seems likely to be there for a good few years yet.