Visiting for the first time on a short trip over from Glasgow based on a recommendation, and after a long drive I wasn't disappointed!

The venue itself has ample parking in a dedicated car park at the back, with a parking attendant, which was good.

Upon entering, the reception interior is impressive and everything appears super sized, very airy and grand. We are guided to scan the QR code nearby and book a table. After less than a couple of minutes waiting in the opulent reception area in very comfortable seats, we are asked to go into the restaurant.

For someone entering for the first time, the scale is huge and can be overwhelming (in a good way!). We are guided to a table, hungry and ready to enjoy what is on offer. The place is very busy, and it's a good sign, with a mix of groups, couples and families.

The service itself is pleasant when you find someone to ask a question of, but after our first visit we will know how it operates and be fine, so for our first time it wasn't really clear on how you get started (turns out you just get stuck in!) And order drinks (went to the bar to be directed back to the table), after that it was smooth sailing.

The food selection itself was vast and served every desire. I started with a nice mixed salad which was fresh and tasty, with a selection of raita and kebab sauce to accompany my starters. Both sauces were delicious.

It was very busy, but I didn't spend a lot of time waiting for anything, and the business added to the ambience.

The starter selection was simply superb. I could have dined all evening on the selection alone. See my photo of one of my starter plates! Every item had it's own distinct character and I'd say was of restaurant quality, which is something of contention when partaking in a self-serve/buffet experience. From the fish pakoras, the seekh kebab, the Chapli kebab, the veg and aloo pakoras, it was all magnificent.

After taking a short break and enjoying some cold soft drinks, I went back for some more fish pakoras because they were so delicious, before exploring the mains on offer.

I must add by this point I was feeling quite full, so I ended up sampling some of my established desi favourites: traditional naan bread, chicken karahi, lamb karahi and some saag. The naan was acceptable, but not particularly stand out compared with anything else I tried. I can understand keeping naan bread and other accompaniments like chips etc tasting as it would fresh is challenging, so I'm not scoring anything down on this basis. The curries were delicious, and similar to the starters, of restaurant quality.

I noted a lot more main dishes on offer, including steaks made to order, which I was thoroughly impressed by. Will make sure to try some more variety of the mains next time I visit.

Despite now being very full and satisfied, I went to sample some dessert. With lots of traditional desi options available as well as classic western options (apple pie, cheese cake etc) I opted for the gulaab jaaman with vanilla ice cream.

The dessert stations were extra busy at this point, but I enjoyed ordering and joining in the busyness waiting for my dessert to be put together in the rush of what must have been another 20 people ordering or collecting desserts at the same time.

The dessert was delectable and simply fantastic. Soft, flavoursome gulaab jamin coupled with creamy, rich vanilla ice cream - when done this well is untouchable.

Now very satisfied, we headed out, adding this to our list of places to definitely visit when we return to Manchester. The prices were reasonable and reflective of the quality of the food and surroundings. Thanks Team Merzee!