It's known to be the nation's favourite dish, with more than 8,000 curry restaurants in Britain.

While it may have only been open for a matter of weeks, Quay Spice, in High Street, Poole, certainly looks to be one of the most popular around.

Run by the owner of the hugely popular Westbourne Tandoori, Quay Spice was formerly an Indian restaurant, but the menu has been overhauled by the new management team, who are also currently working on a transformation of the interior of the eaterie.

Visiting on a mid-week evening, we were amazed by how busy the restaurant was, with both large groups of friends and "date night" couples.

We were squeezed onto a table for two, slightly out of the way of the main thoroughfare, and ordered some poppadoms and dips while we perused the extensive menu.

The restaurants offers all the classic curry dishes you would expect, such as Kurma, Bhuna, Rogan Josh, Madras and Vindaloo, with a choice of vegetable, chicken, chicken tikka, lamb, prawn or fish Tikka.

There are also a huge selection of chef's specials, seafood specials, "house specials", "recommended specials" and some Tandoori Sizzler dishes, including mustard chicken, chicken Peri Peri, pepper grill salmon or mackerel Bhuna.

I opted for the chicken pakora (£3.45) to start, while my husband chose the mixed kebab (£4.45).

Despite the large number of people dining, there was no effect on the service, with staff hugely attentive and the food arriving promptly.

The chicken pakora boasted chunky pieces of succulent chicken breast, cooked in spices and a crispy batter, served with salad garnish and fresh mint sauce. The mixed kebab consisted of a mixture of chicken tikka, lamb tikka and sheek kebab - all pronounced extremely tasty by my husband.

To follow, we chose a chicken tikka Passanda (£7.45) and a chicken tikka Madras (£6.45), accompanied by special fried rice (£2.95); Bombay Aloo (£3.45); Keema Nan (£2.75) and an onion Bhajee side dish (£3.45).

When the waiter struggled to fit all the dishes on the table, I worried we had over-ordered somewhat, but the food was so delicious we managed to devour most of it with no trouble.

The chicken tikka Passanda had a rich, creamy, almond-flavoured sauce smothering the huge chunks of chicken breast, while the chicken tikka Madras featured smaller chunks of the same, succulent chicken, with a tasty, lightly spiced thick sauce.

I particularly liked the Bombay Aloo - spiced potatoes - as they were not too mushy, as they sometimes can be - while the rice was light and fluffy, flavoured with eggs, peas, almonds and sultanas.

The onion Bhajees were satisfyingly crispy, with a tangy flavour, while the Nan bread was filled with a spicy mincemeat - perfect for mopping up the remnants of curry sauce.

Sadly, we were much too full for a dessert on this occasion, but for those that did still have room, there was a selection of ice cream and sorbet-style dishes to choose from.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere - who could ask for more?

Quay Spice, High Street, Poole

T: 01202 675668 or 01202 677315

W: quayspice.com