I'd eaten at the restaurant before, an experience that was one of the best Indian meals to pass my way – and this includes several good ones on the Sub-Continent. But how would its takeaway service stand up?

Orders can be phoned through or placed at the restaurant. While delivery is free within a three-mile radius, collected meals attract a ten-per-cent price discount.

You can sit in the bar area and have a drink while waiting, which gave me a sense of deja vu, from the hours I spent in the same location reading the old library's free copy of the NME.

I started with a couple of popadoms and the four-element pickle tray.

From the chef's range of specialities, I tried the Chicken Tikka Makenwala, which was marinated meat cooked in mild spice, with cream, coconut butter and almond. The sauce was the colour of a Buddhist monk's robes, the chicken so tender that it cut with a fork and the subtle flavours of spice and sweet were a perfect combination. A portion of Pilau Rice was properly dry, if a little bland.

I also had the Chicken Persian, where the meat was cooked in mild spices, with almonds and coconuts. The vivid red sauce had sweet flavours, with a contrasting, slightly bitter, aftertaste.

Spice Library's menu is extensive, but it also makes a point of telling customers about the quality of meat used and the standard of takeaway packaging.

Basically, you are eating restaurant food at home.

Indeed, the management notes: "The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the forgotten cheap prices."

Quite right.

Venue: Bank Street, Mexborough, 01709 580580, 591676. Out of hours: 07706 808797

Opening Times: Weekdays 6-11pm, Fridays 6-11.30pm

Parking: On road and nearby car parks

Delivery: Free on orders over £10, within a three-mile radius. Ten per cent discount on collected orders

Waiting Time: 15 mins

Atmosphere: Good

Service: Efficient

What I had: Popadom 40p each, Pickle Tray £1.30, Chicken Tikka Makanwala £5.20, Pilau Rice £1.80, Chicken Persian £5.20, Peshwari Nan £1.90

How did it taste: Superb

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n Verdict: Faultless.