Passed on the drive back from Paprika strange coloured lights were spotted in the night sky around Clanfield.  Electric blue, neon pink they belonged to Mela Indian restaurant rather than something more extra terrestrial.  If only the cooking was out of this world.

The PLACE is on Drift Road, main thoroughfare joining Clanfield and Horndean, there’s a bit of parking out front though.  In from the cold, like le Carre spies on a sort of reconnaissance, we three were greeted cheerily and gently ushered into a smartly cushioned booth.   Waiters wear Mela uniforms, mid blue shirts, orange ties. Their SERVICE, charming all evening, to a stream of takeaway guests and to 15 or so diners.

Once the staff had inquired politely if we were ready to eat (answered strongly in the affirmative) FOOD arrived.  Starters included the fishy original Machli Dim, roes on a rice pancake, Pakoras, minced chicken in a light, fluffy batter and the Mela Mixed Kebab.  My choice.  Tender Chicken Tikka with a Fat sheekh kebab that needed more herbs and tough Lamb Tikka. 

Mains more consistent, portions well judged.  Hits from, Chicken Tikka Dupiaza, bursting with juicy natural sweetness from onions, green peppers, Prawn Patia, a real citrus affair, plenty of fresh lime, chilli powder hot, Saag Aloo and a mixed veg bhaji, potatoes, cauliflower and peas with hints of fennel.  Misses, Lamb Passanda, tough meat from an idle sheep.  House White, £1.90 by the glass, sweet and dry, reasonable, like the PRICES.  Bill £45 for 3. Average spend? C’mon do the sums!

In SUMMARY I’d hoped to discover a curry club venue of the future.  While Mela is above par for sure, with the rather good Paprika only a three wood away (along the tarmac a la Costner’s rival in ‘Tin Cup’) those who have been there might feel just a little short changed.  More opinion would be welcome though.