Aladdin's Balti and Tandoori Restaurant,, Elliott Street, Tyldesley

GIVEN a choice of places at which to dine, I must admit that Indian restaurants will always come out top of my list.

Having exhaused nearly every one in Rusholme it is nice to have a good one nearer to home and, even better, within walking distance so there is no need to sort out the 'who's going to drive?' question beforehand.

We decided to try the Aladdin on a Friday evening. Although I have often passed it on a Saturday evening and it has been quite full, it was relatively quiet when we went, but weekend bookings would be advisable.

You can't miss the Aladdin when you drive down Tyldesley's main drag because of the Blackpool illiumination-type flashing lights in the window, but behind this is a pleasant, modern interior where polished wooden floors and space combine to offer a very pleasant dining environment.

We were greeted at the door by a friendly waiter who showed us to our table immediately. But we weren't asked whether we preferred smoking or non-smoking and upon looking around the restaurant there was no designated non-smoking area - so non-smokers be warned.

Wheelchair users may struggle as there is no access ramp.

Over a round of drinks, two pints of the most favourable Indian Cobra lager and a glass of coke for the teenager, we perused the extensive menu.

We decided to pass over the usual popadums and chutneys in favour of "proper" starters -- most of which were in the £2-£3 bracket.

My partner's choice was the onion bhaji, which was actually two large bhajis on a bed of salad (£2.30). My teenage son opted for sheesh kebab (again two for £2.30), while after much deliberation -- as I like to try something different -- I decided on the Aloo Chat (£2.30). This was a delicious spicy potato, tomato and onion mixture served on a large chapati and garnished with a side salad. It was a delicious and generous helping.

Main courses proved a little more tricky as the restaurant has an extensive range of dishes on offer, from the plain and mild to the very hot and spicy. There is also a chef's recommendation section -- exotically named dishes for the curry connoisseur.

Our final choices were lamb curry (£4.30) with pilau rice (£1.50), which got the seal of approval from my son.

My partner chose the chicken tikka shashlik (£6.80), again with pilau rice. This came sizzling on a red hot platter together with generous pieces of chicken with roasted onions and peppers, garnished with salad with a dish of curry sauce. I opted for a house speciality, chicken gorkali (£8.50) -- a huge dish of chilli-hot chicken served in a silver and glass bowl on a bed of salad. A mild-hot curry and kidney bean sauce was served separately to pour over the chicken, although I found that it was good enough to eat without it.

I passed on the rice and chose a plain naan bread (£1.50). However, I couldn't resist a portion of Aloo Gobi (£1.90), and the lovely mixture of spicy cauliflower and potatoes went down well with everyone. With our feast in front of us we couldn't belive how much food was actually on the table. However, I had underestimated how much a 15-year-old can actually eat.

After this food fest he still had room for a sweet and decided on the chocolate ice cream sundae.

The total bill, including another round of drinks, came to £43.20, which we thought was very reasonable considering the amount of food we ate. I am sure we will be dining there again in the not too distant future -- us mums have to escape the World Cup somehow!

BY Linda Hurst

How to get there

Take the A58 out of Bolton and head towards Atherton. Turn left at the town hall and follow the signs for Tyldesley. Take the one way loop system through Tyldesley town centre and Aladdin's is on the left hand side of the road.

Quality of Food ****

Atmosphere **

Service ***

Value for Money ****

Menu ****

Overall: ****