Ruby's Lounge, Mirfield

On the spur of the moment we fancy a Ruby Murray. This place is new but very near home so we give it a go. Alternatives which we know and love are 10 miles away in Bradford but cheap and well tried.

Nice atmosphere, stark but modern decor (whereas the Kashmir in Bradford doesn't do decor) and an interesting menu which is freely available on the web (Kash doesn't do web).

Pickle tray with some ferocious lime pickle, sizzler, pint of beer and half of cider. All nicely served. Hashnaji Lamb and a dish called pride of Yorkshire (fairly hot) which was chicken, lamb and rhubarb in a special sauce. Both rather good. 6 chapatis and that's it.

It was much more upmarket than Bradford and the price reflected it. £7-20 for a pint and a half of beer rather than BYO; pickle tray and 2 popadums £3-10. Total was £32 and I had a strange feeling that I'd been overcharged. I asked if they did an early bird but they said no.

Good for taking friends out but not quite popping out for a cheap and cheerful Keema and mushroom with 3 chapatis for £4-50

Indian veg, Chapel Market, London

After a few pints in the Drapers Arms with the outlaws Ben and I need refuelling and are recommended to this place. All you can eat for £4-95 but all vegetarian. And surprisingly good too. The battered balls were cold but the curries were rather spicy and the chick peas were brilliant. 2 huge plates with salad and sauces.

Only strange thing was that they didn't take cards so I had to find cash. Fortunately I had a Nine quid note with me.

Travellers Rest, Hopton

Friday night and we fancied a steak. A local pub advertised £7-95 steak night so we drove there. The car park said penalty for parking was £140. We didn't stay. Instead we drove up the hill to the Travellers Rest.

Surprisingly at 7pm on Friday night they had a carvery. Partner chose that. I stayed with a steak. First though we had breaded mushrooms (her) and chicken & bacon salad with spicy salsa (me). Mine was better than hers.

The steak (cooked rare ) was good. The accompaniments were just ordinary. Partner wasn't impressed with her roast pork. Seemed as it it had been there a long time. A pint of black sheep and a G & T made it a reasonable meal but as we drove home she said " let's not go there again" and I agreed.