DOING a dance lesson on a Friday evening before a cosy night in with a bottle of wine and the TV made me feel quite virtuous, so there was no guilt trip to tucking into a hearty Chinese takeaway.

Despite there being lots to choose from the menu, with new additions on the wall, we went with the old favourites: Combination starter, sweet and sour chicken balls with egg fried rice, beef with green peppers and black bean sauce with boiled rice, and mixed vegetable chow mein.

There was plenty to the starter; ribs, chicken wings, won ton, spring rolls, prawn toast and seaweed.

The ribs were a touch lacking in meat and any sauce, although they were tasty and caramelised, while the wings were meaty and crisp.

And this set up the theme for the meal really – good, and bad, in every bite.

The chicken balls’ batter was light and crisp, but the meat was tough.

The black bean sauce had an unexpected – but nice – chilli bite, but the meat had a slightly odd texture and the peppers were overcooked.

The chow mein was fine.

Prices were slightly higher than average, but boiled rice or chips are included.

Personally, I’d rather pay less for the dish and choose just what I actually want.

Speed: 7

Taste: 6

Temperature: 6

Value: 7

Choice: 7