And it doesn't get much more exciting on the inside, although a recent upgrade means new carpets, air conditioning and plasma TVs for the sports fans.

But there are very good reasons for visiting Ziggy's in Carlton Street, Halifax.

Not least that it is the only spice house and pizza bar in Calderdale with a five-star hygiene rating from the council, and it shows – the plates, cutlery and table settings are pristine.

The food is the other reason, curries, of course, not the cheese and tomato topped doe plates, which are so often a rip-off.
Ziggy's menu eaten in or out is as extensive as any and very reasonably priced.

Before we started the meal proper, we enjoyed a large plate of popadoms and spicy dips.

Then it was on to our starters – onion bhaji and shami kebabs, which were nicely presented by very attentive waiters.

It is a case of spoilt for choice when it comes to curries – lamb, beef, chicken, prawn, vegetable, korma, madras vindaloo, bhuna and so it goes on.

The temptation is to try something new but I usually play safe and end up wishing I had been a bit more adventurous.

Still, I was more than happy with my hotly spiced lamb tikka masala, the chef's speciality, which was lean and free of the gristle that sometimes appears in takeaways.

Others in our party chose a shishlak with ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes and peppers; a chicken bhuna and a huge chicken tandoori.

Piling on the pilau rice, peshwari nan, chipati and Ziggy's potato balti left little space for the lagers with which to swill it down.

The size of the table was our only complaint!

The food was hot, speedily presented by staff who appeared enthusiastic and keen to please.

The sheer volume of food meant that deserts were unnecessary even though a variety was available from fruit cocktail and chocolate cake to kulfi and gulab lemon, plus tea and coffee.

One of the best things about Ziggy's is that the restaurant is relaxed, especially in the early evening, and you get the feeling that your patronage is appreciated.

I suppose it is not surprising given that it lies in "Little India", with at least four other curry houses in the immediate area.

Ziggy's also boasts burgers, a wide selection of pizzas, southern fried chicken, snacks and sundries.
It is open until late seven days a week.

Those who have concerns about curry houses can rest assured – Ziggy's five-star rating is a target which other would do well to emulate.

It claims to employ "highly acclaimed" chefs and there is no reason to doubt that.

Owner Saghir Hussein, more familiarly known as Ziggy from his days as a semi-professional soccer player, is probably best known for his taxi business and sponsorship of amateur sports teams and leagues.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend his restaurant which justly deserves a place in the premiership.

The fact that it is on the ground floor of a former furniture store matters little. I'll be back for a Bombay Aloo.

Details
Name: Ziggy's Spice House
Address: Carlton Street, Halifax
Telephone: 01422 381381