You needn't travel far for a tasty meal

Forget fancy high-end eateries, sometimes the most enjoyable meals are to be had in your neighbourhood, says ANGUS McINTYRE

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T'S been a rough year for the curry houses of Bristol. Old India, in the former stock exchange building, closed down in May after over two decades in business.

Earlier in August, Raj Pavillions on Filton Road followed suit. The family-run business had been serving customers in north Bristol for 44 years.

Walking past Raj on a recent Monday evening, I was greeted by the sad sight of a deserted restaurant. Years of laughter and enjoyment had been replaced by an empty floor space save for a few tables and chairs still to be removed.

Luckily, a nearby flyer directed me to Maharaj, a curry house about five minutes further north of Raj.

On arrival at the recently renovated restaurant I was warmly greeted by the attentive service team and directed to my seat.

Pleasingly for a Monday, the restaurant was reasonably busy, with a large family gathering on the table immediately beside mine and a group of four mates on a table opposite.