Epsom is not really a place I would ever choose to go. If you live in London, it’s not as far away as Land’s End, but it’s some way in that general direction. Anyway, word had reached me about Dastaan, a new establishment that had been started by a chef who had previously worked at the posh Gymkhana restaurant in central London (q.v.). Why he chose to set up business in Epsom (or Epsom and Ewell to give it its full name) is beyond me, but that’s where we found ourselves on a warm summer Wednesday evening.

The place isn’t posh, but that’s a good sign, suggesting the emphasis is on the food and not on charging fancy prices. The menu is not that long, and it combines some Indian favourites with a few unusual dishes.

After the poppadums, we started with Beetroot Tikki, Paneer Tikka and a dish called Prawn & Fish Amritsari (served with Apple Raita). All were delicious and notably different from the norm. The Amritsari was the stand-out dish. Our main courses included Karahi Chicken (reasonably hot), Lamb Rogan Josh and Malabar Prawn. All first-rate. Almost full, we then shared two desserts between four of us — a Falooda Kulfi and aPistachio Kulfi.

Needless to say the place was full, but even so the service was very efficient and extremely friendly.

I would love to go back there soon. There’s only one problem — you guessed it, Dastaan is in Epsom.