The first visit of the year got off to a great start.

We went to Saffron Ivy, the latest new Indian Restaurant in Syston. Handy on road parking right outside.

We arrived at the same time as the Charnwood Food & Safety Team inspection which was an unannounced inspection – the good news was the Restaurant was awarded the top score of five.

Despite the inspection taking place we were sat and offered drinks quickly. Being January some of the members were not drinking as they were taking part in Dry January. The bar didn’t stock any non-alcoholic lager, but the waitress went to the nearby off licence to get some – unfortunately, they didn’t stock any either! So the drinks were a Mocktail, Sweet Lassi, Coke and Draught Cobra. The Mocktail asked for was a Virgin Cosmopolitan, but we got a Virgin Mojito – a mistake in the order there.

Onto the food – the food menus are well presented with good photos, and there is plenty to choose from. The Balti dishes are served in nice serving pots which I haven’t seen before.

Poppadoms – we tried the special Masala poppadom which has onions and sauces already added to the base. We also had the standard plain ones which were crispy and not oily. Pickle trays were refilled during the evening.

Three of us had the Chicken Karahi, two Madras strength and one Vindaloo which indeed was hot! It’s one of my favourite dishes. Mine was served with an extra side of coriander which came with the meal – often forgotten at most other restaurants.

A traditional Chicken Tawa was enjoyed too with Kulcha Naan and boiled rice.

A dry sizzler – Chicken Malai Tikka was nice but lacked a little spice it was felt. Having since looked into the dish, it is a creamy dish made with yoghurt, cheese, ginger, garlic and chilli so maybe just a little more chilli would have helped our diner.

The bill tonight was just over £100 for five. Taking into account the non-drinkers tonight we felt this was an average price. We have noticed a midweek offer just started though which would be good value for 4 courses at £10.99.

Everyone in the restaurant was offered a glass of Prosecco to celebrate the food hygiene rating achievement.

The restaurant is very new only having opened at the end of last year, and everything looks modern and airy. Possibly napkins instead of paper napkins might raise the restaurant elegance a little.

Great evening and certainly one that will take some beating this year I’m sure.