THOSE who simply see curry as a good way to wash down ten pints would hardly know a chicken vindaloo from a chicken kebab.

But any respectable connoisseur of the delights of Indian food will tell you there is often a world of difference between that curry house strategically placed to entice a group of beer swiggers and one that bases it's reputation on the actual quality of their cuisine.

Punters in Eastleigh are fortunate enough to have a restaurant that boasts the best of all worlds.

Although Gandhi Indian Cuisine is located in the Swan Centre, just around the corner from the town's leading pubs and night spots, their clientele seems largely to be the more

discerning curry eater.

That much immediately became clear after sampling the quality of the first popadom and the accompanying sauces and dips.

For a starter I opted for the prawn puree, while my partner decided on an onion bhaji.

Prawn puree is occasionally a rather mushy, risky option, but at Gandhi the prawns were delicious and the sauce was superb, with just a slight kick.

Feedback on the generously sized onion bhaji was equally positive.

Chicken jalfrezi is another Indian dish which can sometimes be something of a gamble, with chefs generally ranging from those who hardly seem to know what a chilli is, to some who think the average customer's taste buds can cope with bucket loads of the ingredient.

Thankfully Gandhi again gets it right by producing a jalfrezi dish hot enough to remember - but not which leaves eyes watering and forehead sweating within just one mouthful.

A taste of the jalfrezi also proved that it had been carefully cooked to perfection.

Full stomachs meant we passed on any desert, but excellent coffees and complimentary mints provided a perfect end to what was a faultless meal.

The spacious surroundings also make Gandhi an ideal venue for large parties as well as groups wishing to quietly 'disappear' for a quiet meal in such impressive tradition Indian dcor.

Reservations: 023 8061 3861