THIS column almost didn’t exist in its form as a takeaway review as I was incredibly close to breaking my own rule — well, one of them.

As regular readers know I tend not to do salad . . . and I hardly ever dine out.

But on a night that was cold enough to send your average penguin shuffling for cover, I was really tempted by a sit-down meal at Nelson’s Spice of India.

I thought about it for a second and then realised that if I ate in I would have to get a takeaway from somewhere else to fill this space . . . so it was a quick perusal of the menu and curry to go.

The restaurant on Manchester Road has a cracking reputation and it’s easy to see why, even before you eat.

It’s smart and clean, with efficient staff, and as I was waiting for my food there were nibbles on offer and the chance to have a drink.

After a 15 minute wait my food was ready and I headed off into the chill with a chicken Hash Mathal.

That’s a dish I had never heard of before but, with chunks of chicken marinated with herbs and garlic, it was excellent.

Added ginger gave it a nice kick and it went down really well with rice and a keema nan.

It was a fine feast — and I will be going back, maybe even to eat in.