We last visited this restaurant almost one year ago, and then we thought it a good three star restaurant serving above-average curries at competitive prices... Which is just about what we thought of the fare on offer this time. There were no stand-out dishes, but likewise no stinkers. The service was friendly and attentive, though we did have to wait rather a long time for our main meals.

We started with onion bhaji (£1.40), chicken pakora (£2.00), vegetable pakora (£1.20), vegetable samosa (£1.20), mushroom pakora (£1.20). The vegetarian starters were all of a high quality, especially the mushroom pakoras: luscious button mushrooms in a spicy, deep-fried batter. The veg pakoras were also very good, beautifully flavoured with coriander and pungent spices. The chicken pakora was not as good as last time: while the portion was good, and the quality of the chicken excellent, it was described as mild and tasting "like KFC."

I had a chana masala for my main course: not bad, but nothing to rave about - a rather mild dish in a bland, unexciting masala sauce. The chicken dansak was described as, "Highly spiced, good quality chicken, though not sweet enough for a dhansak." It would have scored higher, but for the nan bread, which was "like cardboard." The balti chicken tikka contained quality pieces of meat in a rich, spicy tomato sauce: very much enjoyed. The spinach and chick peas was a little too hot for RachelS, but it must be said that the rest of us more seasoned curry eaters thought it the best of the bunch: excellent consistency and a good fiery depth. By contrast, the mutter and aloo was bland, and the potatoes were cut too large. The mushroom dal was on the bland side too, and distinctly lacking in mushrooms.

All in all, Habib's is worth a visit - it's pretty good value for money, and serves a better than average curries. The atmosphere in the big, spacious dining area is excellent, and the staff courteous and friendly.

(Main meals are not served with chappatis, rice, etc, which must be ordered separately: chappatis 35p, garlic nan £1.30, plain nan £1.00, boiled rice £1.00, pilau rice £1.20. With take-away meals chappatis, etc, are included in the price.)

Habib's is a new restaurant opened on the premises (as it's address suggests) of the old Barrack Tavern. It's beautifully decorated, spacious, and was very busy on the night we dined there.

We started with chicken pakora (£2.00) and vegetable pakora (£1.20). The chicken pakora was exceptional, according to our meat-eaters. The chicken was chunky and well done, the batter crisp and spicy. The finest chicken pakora, was the verdict, sampled in months. The veg pakora was not in the same league, a little doughy, but pleasant tasting even so.

The main courses, likewise, were a mixed bag. The dall piaz - described in the menu as chana with spring onion with spices - was disappointing. Chana in my book means chick peas, while the dish consisted of anything but chick peas, merely regular dall, and bits of half-cooked onion; also, it tasted pretty bland. 'Pretty bland' was a charge levelled at the chicken rogan josh, too - but the chicken bhuna was enjoyed: it was rich and flavoursome, with the correct dry consistency

There were only three of us dining that night, and we'd like to return when there are more of us to give Habib's a fair crack of the whip. The service was efficient and friendly and the atmosphere very good. Unfortunately we did not have time to stay and sample the sweets or coffee - but hopefully next time.

(Chapattis, nan, rice, etc, are not included in the price of the curries, and must be ordered separately. Chapattis are 35p, nan £1.00, garlic nan £1.30, boiled rice £1.00.)
Habib's does not have a drinks licence.