THE Winchester suburb of Weeke is not the place one would expect to find one of the shock troops in the invasion of the new-style Indian restaurants.

Balaka is one of those increasingly common places which have reinvented the traditional Indian eateries.

No plastic plants, bench seats, flashy wallpaper and drapes. In comes wooden floors, bare tables, chairs, big frosted windows, primary decor, abstract art and real bay trees.

It would be nice to report that the food matched the refreshing vibe. The starters of chicken tikka and prawn puree were okay but the main course didn't live up to expectations.

Some people might like their chicken tikka masala or chicken passanda in a smooth, tomato soup-like sauce.

I prefer something that you could eat with a knife and fork rather than a spoon.

While the sag aloo (spinach) side dish was the best thing, the portions of rice were rather mean - barely enough for two.

Maybe we caught them on a bad night, because, to be fair, I have had fine takeaways from here.But the mark of a good restaurant is, like a good sauce, in the consistency.

Reservations: 01962 859606.