Mirabai, London Road, Headington, Oxford Mirabai's website proclaims: "Whether you are watching television at your home, window shopping in your local town, catching fish at the lake, WE are always with you".

No doubt that is meant to be upbeat, but unfortunately it makes it sound as if this curryhouse - which, after all, dates from 1984 - is run by a bunch of Big Brother-type stalkers.

Not everyone is a fan of the Mirabai, but it's worth considering for a cheap meal. The 'Connoisseurs' Starters include mulligatawny soup for £2.95, green pepper stuffed with spiced lamb for £3.95 and salmon kebab at £4.95.

Unlike a few other places we could mention, Mirabai offers a set meal for the solo diner - half a tandoori chicken or lamb curry; mixed vegetable curry; naan bread, pilau rice and coffee will set you back £10.50.

The selection of desserts is better than some rivals offer. But occasionally the service is slow.

Verdict: Tasty and affordable