Anyone who remembers the Comedy Club in South Croydon may be fascinated to know that the building has been converted into a spacious Indian restaurant!

The building originally opened as a cinema in the early 1900's, then became Scots Dine and Dance in the 70's before becoming the Comedy Club.

When I dined at 'Fushia' recently with my sister Helen we could imagine cinemagoers purchasing their tickets in the entrance foyer before either going downstairs to the stalls (now the restaurant) or upstairs to the circle, which is now a large banqueting suite.

There were already a number of Indian diners in the restaurant and Srini the owner told me that 70% of his customers are Indian as the food they serve is authentic Indian cuisine. They like to prepare regional favourites depending on which part of India the customer is from to remind them of home, which we thought was a wonderful touch!

Helen and I were served a range of dishes recommended by Srini starting with 'Garlic Chilli Mogo', South African cassava fried in garlic chilli sauce. It made a superb starter as neither Helen or I had eaten cassava before and it was lovely and crunchy with just the right amount of spiciness.

Srini then brought up a Mixed Grill for us to share consisting of sheekh kebab, lamb chops, chicken wings, king prawns and tandoori chicken served on a sizzler which, Helen commented, looked amazing.

It was all beautifully cooked and Srini explained that all the dishes are freshly prepared, not heated up in a microwave, which means that serving can take a little while. Customers in a hurry can choose from a separate 'Express' part of the menu which features those dishes that are quicker to prepare and cook.

Srini then served us two dishes from the 'Oriental Cuisine' section of the menu - fish with vegetables and noodles and also meat with vegetables and noodles.

I don't think either of us had eaten noodles in an Indian restaurant before - another first for us both! We did not need any accompanying vegetables or rice, we had all we needed on our plates and the curry flavour was wonderful. Although very full by now, Srini brought us yet another new thing for us to try, a dessert called 'Vatil Appal'.

Made with coconut and other sweet ingredients, it melted in our mouths and was the perfect end to the meal.

Srini said that it is hugely popular with Indian customers who cannot buy it in the UK or prepare it themselves at home because it requires an especially hot fryer.

Fushia is situated on the Brighton Road close to Whitgift School opposite the big cycle shop. There are parking bays nearby but Srini said that customers can park on the main road in front of the restaurant after 7pm.