India Cottage

Set in the village of Henstridge, on the Somerset and Dorset border, India Cottage has built up a loyal following over many years as the go-to spot for a proper curry night in this quiet rural pocket. Diners describe warm, attentive staff, generous portions and a menu broad enough to please both the cautious and the adventurous, and the kitchen holds a steady rating of 4.1/5 from dozens of reviewers. The sizzling dishes that arrive at the table with a theatrical hiss are a particular favourite among regulars.

Expect the full sweep of subcontinental classics, with the likes of fragrant Chicken Tikka Masala sitting alongside spicier specials and plenty of vegetarian options for those who prefer to skip the meat. It works equally well as a relaxed sit-down meal or a takeaway carried home, and the consistency over the years is what keeps people coming back rather than any flashy gimmick. Friendly, unhurried and reliably good, it remains one of the few dedicated Indian kitchens serving this stretch of countryside, which only adds to its standing as a local institution.