Stylish interior of Indian Essence in Petts Wood

by Danny Boyle

I love Indian food, but have never been a big fan of Indian restaurants.

The tired decor, chintzy tablecloths and rowdy clientelle you find in most establishments have always been a culinary turn-off for me.

So walking into Indian Essence, in Petts Wood, was like a breath of fresh air.

The stylish interior and attentive staff put me at ease at once - and I soon realised this was no tacky joint.

The restaurant opened in November when celebrity chef Atul Kochhar teamed up with restauranteur Jitindar Singh.

Atul, the first Indian chef to win a Michelin star and a regular face on TV, has been credited with changing the perception of Indian food.

His contemporary cooking style uses classic Indian flavours in innovative new ways - and you can see how with a trip to Indian Essence.

I ate melt-in-the mouth pan-seared scallops with a parsnip pickle to start. It's a combination of flavours I never would have thought could work together, but I was left wanting more.

My partner's starter of cumin-scented potato cakes with tamarind chutney was just as delicious.

I chose a half-chicken with a mace and cinnamon marinade for my main course, but couldn't resist trying my partner's creamy tandoori chicken tikka - and some of the delicious yellow daal, which is apparently a house speciality.

All our dishes were served on contemporary stoneware plates and so beautifully presented that we had to think twice about tucking in.

We were left delightfully full and content, but not overly stuffed - truly the sign of a good meal.

But, of course, we had left room for desert - a decadent dark chocolate fondant infused with cardomom and Indian ice cream.

With a bill for two including wine coming in at around £90, a trip to Indian Essence is a treat that won't blow the budget.

It certainly changed my perception of Indian restaurants - and somewhere I'll definitely be visiting again.

Food at Indian Essence combines classic flavours with a contemporary twist

Indian Essence, in Petts Wood Road, is a short walk from Petts Wood station, with direct trains from Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood and central London.

For more details, visit www.indianessence.co.uk or phone 01689 838 700.