Woodlands

With a look quite befitting its Hampstead location – fresh flower displays, a warm plummy colour scheme, high-back chairs & neatly dressed tables – Woodlands is an upmarket branch of an Indian chain. The menu is strictly vegetarian (with some vegan options) as is the wine list. You won’t miss the meat, though: the cooking focuses on vibrant southern Indian flavours. Highlights include dosas (lentil pancakes) & utappams (lentil pizzas) topped with spicy veg & zingy chutneys or coconut-rich curries. Try a poori to start: delicious rounds of pastry filled with yoghurt & tamarind chutney. The odd duff dish does sneak in; cashew pakora was distinctly dry, & a yoghurty okra curry seemed bland. Another bugbear is that staff can appear nervous & unfamiliar with daily specials.