Its moniker practically tastes of earthy decadence. It rings with homely style. You can almost smell the spice.

Put another way, it's a whole lot nattier than, say, Kurry Kingdom.

The place – an Indian restaurant attracting customers from both Halifax and Oldham – is exquisite. And somehow quintessentially English.

A strange thing to say, for sure, about somewhere decorated with carved elephants and eastern prints.

But with its semi-rural setting, dark sober interior, soft rock soundtrack (Brighouse's Embrace got a play) and attentive staff, quintessentially English is exactly what it is.

There were even a handful of locals propping up the bar while waiting for a take-out.

Diners, on the other hand, are encouraged to enjoy a drink in a lounge area before moving into the large open dining room to order their food.

Now, call me tight, but I've always considered poppadoms a bit like a restaurant manager might consider reviews – best when they are complimentary.

So, while the stack we have tonight are acceptable, and the five-sauce pickle tray is positively delicious, having to pay £2 seems a little harsh when most places do them free.

It's a minor quibble soon forgotten as we tuck into the mixed kebab starter.

Received wisdom says it's best to avoid combination dishes because they tend to be scrap ends thrown together.

Received wisdom obviously never visited the Cinnamon Lounge because the mixed kebab was superb.

Combining several titbit treats such as tandoori chicken and a samosa with a side salad, it fizzed on the tastebuds but was light enough not to spoil the mains.

And you wouldn't want to spoil them because they turned the taste twister up another notch.

Choosing is not easy because if variety is the spice of life, at the Cinnamon Lounge spice is the variety of life. Dozens of traditional dishes mix with a handful of specialties on the menu – and for curry aficionados they all look tempting.

I went for the lamb shashlik, a dish of red spiced lamb cooked and served in a sizzler of huge vegetables including onions, pepper and tomatoes, while my partner had the traditional lamb Balti. We shared a rice and garlic naan. Both meals were delicious. Neither were particularly hot but the lack of heat really brought out the flavour of the spices, leaving the meat dripping juices on to the tongue.

We have no dessert. There's no need. We're full.

If a name alone can make you love a place the Cinnamon Lounge has it made – but it is the food and ambience that will keep you going back.

Ratings
Name: Cinnamon Lounge

Address: Rishworth Business Complex, Rishworth, Halifax

Phone: 01422 822838

Food 4/5
Atmosphere 4/5
Service 5/5
Value 3/5