Providence Place, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD9 3PN. (Where is it?)
Tel. (01274) 878866 / 877722

http://www.aakashrestaurant.com/

Billed as the largest Indian restaurant in the world, the Aakash is situated on Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, in what was once the former English Congregational Chapel built in 1857. A substantial amount of money has obviously been spent to convert it into a restaurant, and this reflects in the prices to recoup the cost - but more on that later.

Although not strictly under review, I must mention the car park. Not only is it is supervised by a security guard, but there are coach spaces too.

Now, onto the food. When we dined it was buffet night at £15 per head. This appears quite steep compared to the Bradford norm, and therefore we were expecting something special. The starters didn't disappoint with about four to five different dishes to choose from. We sampled the potato pakora, which was succulent and crispy; the chicken tikka, which was chicken and onion mixed, and met with our approval. The chicken tikka wings rounded off our selection, and again was well thought of.

There were about five main courses to pick from, two of which were vegetarian. The Lamb Rogan Josh was dry and too salty. The chicken tikka masala was average in flavour, although the chicken was of good quality.
Much praise was heaped on the dal tarka, the dish was being spicy and the dal cooked to perfection. The last dish sampled was the saag aloo. It was disappointing: fairly mild with no distinct flavours, and the spinach had
turned stodgy in the serving tureens.

The naan bread was good, although obviously they had been sitting out for a while - but the chapaties were on the hard side. Dessert was also included in the price, but by that time our stomachs were bulging from the
main courses.

The atmosphere of the Aakash was quite good, with decorative surroundings, friendly service, and pleasant and clean toilets. Due to its size, the restaurant could not be considered cosy, but then again not quite
school-canteen standard, either.

On the night we visited, the Aakash disappointed us. A few of the dishes could have been better, especially at the high prices being charged. I have heard praise from the dishes served on non-buffet nights (Monday to
Thursday), so it might be worth a return visit.

Rice and breads are included in the price of the buffet.