TAKEAWAY REVIEW: Shapla Indian Takeaway, Adlington

Sometimes it is worth going the extra mile for something that is worth it.

We had been recommended to try Shapla in Adlington, which is only a few miles away from where we live. But on the night in question road closures suddenly sprung up, meaning a strange and circuitous longer route to the Shapla.

But I had made up my mind (even though there were many closer to home). I was going to Shapla, What a good decision.

Shapla is a small but adequate takeaway right in the centre of upper Adlington. The place is friendly, clean (it has a five-star hygiene rating) and with plenty of seats for anyone wanting to wait for their food.

All dishes are prepared by the chefs in full view of the customer – which only whets the appetite.

The range of dishes is superb, from old favouries to Korai, Moghai, Kashmiri and Methi dishes.

We plumped for the Chicken Tikka (£2,50) – a good selection of bite-sized lean chicken pieces in a beatufiul spicy coating. It came with dips and salad and was gone in seconds.

Our free onion bhaji (thrown in because we spent more than £15.95) were also demolished so we needed a break before the main courses.

I chose the Tandoori Chicken Masala (£5.95), which came with Pilau Rice. I may well have had better but I honestly can’t remember when – like everything from Shapla it was delicious, fresh, lean and totally without any greasy residue.

The garlic naan was lovely, too.

My partner chose the Chicken Saag (£4.50 without rice) and described it as superb. It was packed with meat and smelled delicious.

Deciding that we had been greedy to order garlic naan as well, inevitably some was left at the end of a very satisfying and a very skillfully-cooked meal.

The total bill was £18.95

There is plenty of competition in the area where we live, with everyone throwing in free offers and often free delivery to tempt customers. Sometimes though it pays to search out somewhere a bit further afield, even if it means a drive.

Like others before us, we have recommended Shapla to anyone who will care to listen.

Will we be back? You bet.

David Nowell