Zara’s: 60 Allardice Street, Stonehaven

THE thing about a lingering Sunday afternoon in the pub with mates is that at some point hunger will kick in.

And after a beer or two, ahem, only one thing will do – curry. Cue a quick trip along to Zara’s to grab a feast for four.

We kicked off with the vegetable platter (£4.95) and were rewarded with a tasty mound of veg pakora, mushroom pakora, onion rings and samosas.

Sharing three mains between four proved to be more than ample.

Our old favourite, chicken dhansak (£6.95), was creamy with lentils but still carried a spicy hit.

Not as much kick, though, as the North Indian special chicken (£9.95). Despite the fierce heat, the flavour of the garlic, coriander and tomatoes won through.

The tangy dish of the day prize went to the delicious sweet and sour chicken karahi (£8.95).

All of this plus a couple of pilau rice (£2.25) and a garlic nan (£2.50) hit the spot beautifully.

It’s a good reason for another Sunday pub sesh – as if one was needed.