National Curry Week was started in 1998 to promote the cuisine and to raise funds for various charities.

We are now undoubtedly a nation of curry lovers which may or may not have been forseen by Dean Mahomed who, over 200 years ago, opened Britains first curry house to cater for the growing fashion for spicy food.

"Indian dishes, in the highest perfection… unequalled to any curries ever made in England." So ran the 1809 newspaper advert for a new eating establishment in an upmarket London square popular with colonial returnees. Diners at the Hindostanee Coffee House could smoke hookah pipes and recline on bamboo-cane sofas as they tucked into spicy meat and vegetable dishes.

Today, Indian cuisine has overtaken traditional fish and chips as Britain's favourite takeaway, and Indian restaurants can be found on every High Street, although few offer hookah pipes!

Just off of Hamlet Court road in Southend, Saffron Lounge is definitely a cut above the ordinary. Boasting not just a sophisticated name, classic frontage and stylish interior, staff are attentive and courteous, and the menu has a great range of dishes. Alongside the familiar tikka, rogan josh, korma etc sit a range of guilt free healthy specials.

Without compromising on taste, the chefs at the Saffron Lounge have created healthy alternatives, using the freshest ingredients and finest virgin and sunflower oils to produce traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist, not normally seen on an Indian menu is the delightful Tapas selection. For a lighter lunch, or if like me you get so spoilt for choice you want to try a bit of everything, this is the perfect way to explore all the flavours Indian cuisine has to offer.

Saffron Lounge will also cater for your business needs. They will take care of the food, service and ambience whilst you entertain your clients and business colleagues. Whether it's for a one off business meeting or event, or a regular 'curry club' Saffron Lounge have the experience and facilities to meet your needs.

You can also order from the extensive takeaway menu for that perfect night in. Put your feet up in front of X Factor with a group of friends and beers, or set the table for an intimate dinner for two, with wine but without the hard work... the standard and quality of Saffron Lounge's take out food is as impressively high as the restaurant fare.

So I will say that without a shadow of a doubt your first visit to Saffron Lounge will not be your last, and also without a shadow of a doubt, all this talk of delicious Indian food guarantees that tonight I will be starting National Curry Week early!