PANNA'S Indian restaurant is within the City Pavilion complex - just minutes from Romford town centre with plenty of parking, writes Stephanie Mackentyre...

THE black and white interior with its high-backed leather chairs and linen table cloths was a comfortable place to enjoy the modern upbeat Indian music while we hungrily devoured the complimentary popadoms and raitas. The wine list has six choices of house wines and then an extensive list of interesting wines along with Champagnes and cocktails. Dining at lunch made for a different atmosphere but the staff were busy preparing for a bumper booking that evening. Nevertheless, service was efficient and attentive throughout. We began with seekh kebab khurchan which we shared as a starter. The meat had a good spicy kick mixed with fresh coriander. As we were awaiting our main courses I noticed that high chairs were available and another set of diners had brought their young family out with them. For main course came chicken chettinad and lamb roganjosh with a pilau rice although we could have chosen jerra rice which has sesame seeds, plus a rather delicious, although English-sounding dish, mustard and chilli roasted potatoes, as a side dish. All the dishes were piping hot and the portions were generous. Both the chicken and the lamb had more than a hint of fire about them and the meats were extremely tender. We finished our meal without dessert as the dishes we'd chosen were more than enough to fill us both. The chef, Mojahid Ali, also prepares an extensive selection of vegetarian options and all his vegetarian dishes are prepared in a separate kitchen. Panna's opened in December 2007, and although it's closed all day on a Monday it is open weekdays from 5pm until late and at weekends you can join them from 1pm. It's on the top floor of the City Pavilion and while you're there check out the other two floors for ten pin bowling, the Enigma Bar and two large function rooms accommodating between 200 and 2,000 guests.

SIDE ORDERS3other restaurants ready to spice up your lifeTandoori Parlour61-63 Hart RoadThundersleySS7 3PB01268 793786We say: Try them on a Monday or Tuesday for a special set menu at �15.95 including drinks

VojanEpping RoadOngarCM5 0DE01277 362293We say: Look out for details of live music events which make for a great evening

Kosturi42 High StreetHalsteadC09 2AP01787 474232We say: Kosturi also offers a great outside catering service too, for parties with pizzazz

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Panna'sThe City PavilionCollier Row RoadCollier RowRomfordRM5 2BH0208 9244000