ROSE and Lime, which began operating as a takeaway service in April before opening a full restaurant, is the newest Indian eatery to spice up Darlington town centre.

Owners Forida and Joynul Al-Ameen pride themselves on not only serving authentic, mouth-watering Indian cuisine in a charming setting, but also on crafting a variety of house specials and chef’s recommendations that bring something original to the region.

The Northern Echo:

“We are really passionate about introducing North-East diners to new dishes and fresh flavours which aren’t yet very well-known up here,” said Forida, who takes care of the admin, while husband Joynul manages the daily running of the business and the kitchen alongside head chef Juhel Miah.

“We do serve traditional dishes – all the usual suspects like tikka masala, madras, korma, and so on – but our House Specials offer something new and original for anyone who might think they’ve tasted everything Indian cuisine has to offer.”

Rose and Lime’s modern twist on traditional Indian cooking has already proven popular with Darlington (or should that be ‘Dhalington’?) residents.

The most popular specials include seafood special bhuna, which is made with salmon, king prawns, and scallops, packed full of flavour and spices; makanawla – a chicken or lamb dish served in a buttery spicy sauce – and naga shatkara, a very hot bhuna-style dish with pickle made from the blisteringly hot naga morich chilli.

The Northern Echo:

The menu also includes a variety of made-fresh-to-order desserts, and exotic flavours are paired with familiar tastes thanks to a partnership with local brand Archer’s Ice-Cream.

We’ve struggled to find a good Indian since moving to Darlo from Eaglescliffe. Struggle no more, this has to be one of the best, if not the best curry I’ve had in my 72 years of life. Absolutely fantastic. Can’t recommend highly enough. The chef’s special is to die for. 5 stars. – Richard

The couple moved back to Darlington – Forida’s hometown – from York to follow their dream of opening their own business. When the restaurant launched earlier this year, the opening night raised £360 for St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington, and the British Heart Foundation.

The Northern Echo:

“We’re very excited about the future,” Forida added. “We hope to introduce new dishes soon, including more options for different diets. We list all our gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on our online ordering form, which has been very well-received.

“Opening a new business in these times has been challenging, but the support we’ve received from the community has been amazing. We work hard to offer the best service possible, and it’s wonderful how the town has embraced us.

To order, visit www.roseandlime.co.uk or call 01325 355 824.

Rose and Lime are now also running a limited time offer of a free bottle of house wine with any booking of four or more people. A 15 per cent discount is also currently given on takeaway orders for collection.

The Northern Echo:

24-26 Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JJ

Tel: 01325 355 824

www.roseandlime.co.uk