Watching Rick Stein's travels around India in his recent television programme had whetted my appetite for a decent curry and with that in in mind I headed to Hammersmith eager to sample the delights of a chef whose reputation for producing truly authentic Indian food has been growing ever since he emerged on the scene with his Polti restaurant a little under two years ago.

Jay Ghosh is part owner of the restaurant situated in an area of King Street which has become something of a haven for foodies in recent years. He is passionate that what he cooks is truly authentic and fresh, and is inspired by his roots in Calcutta and the style of food found in the famous Indian food markets that seem to sit on bustling street corners in every city and town across India.

He is also a chef who does not rest on his laurels, so keen to spice things up a bit Jay has added some exciting summer special treats to the already impressive menu, with the new dishes strongly influenced by the Indo-Chinese style of cooking.

You immediately feel at home once you enter Polti, there is a warm and relaxed feel to the place and colour in the form of brightly coloured cushions scattered on banquettes. On a pleasantly warm summer's evening the restaurant was more than two thirds full, a good sign that it has found favour with locals in the neighbourhood.

We cooled down with a glass of refreshing beer and a pre-appetiser of Shakarkhandi and Ana ke Chaat (£3.50), which set the scene for the rest of the evening. The humble sweet potato was lifted to exciting levels when combined with fresh pomegranate and a tangy relish mix of coconut flakes and chaat marsala, leaving a lovely refreshing tingle on the tongue.

Our starters were new summer dishes and did not disappoint. Drums of Heaven (£7) were delicious – little lollipops of tender succulent chicken coated in a rich spicy sauce while Chilli Paneer (£7) was sweet and sour to the taste with the white cheese blending perfectly in a flavoursome Indo-Chinese sauce of chilli, garlic, peppers and spring onions. We also enjoyed griddled Tilapa steaks (Tawa Macchi £6.75),  coated in subtle tasty spices, with the succulent juicy fish further lifted by hints of lemon and coriander.

Fiona's main of Goan Prawn Balchao (£9.50) was a star turn. The prawns were plump and juicy, coated in a spicy mouth tingling special balchao marsala, and there were warming hits of star anise and cinnamon which lingered on the taste buds even after the last prawn had disappeared off the plate.

Jay worked wonders with my main of tender melt in the mouth slow braised duck breast, from Essex, (Duck Amras Amrit (£11.50), which came with a delicious light and fragrant coconut based sauce which also included raw and ripe mangoes and peppers, it was yummy and a dish to savour.

A side of Rattan Manjusha Kofta (£5.50), the well seasoned kofta stuffed with nuts and spinach and served in a rich creamy tomato sauce, hit the spot and a peshawari nan (£2.50) proved prefect to mop up the wonderful sauces which came with the mains. We also shared a pilau rice (£3.50).

Somehow we found room for refreshing deserts of mango crème brulee (£4.50) and a mango ice cream on a stick (£3.50) but the real star turn of the evening was Jay's skills in producing some imaginative cooking and new seasonal dishes which delivered a cacophony of flavours and spices that lingered with us as we headed out into the warm summer air.

To celebrate Potli's second birthday 'A curry for charity' night is being held at the restaurant on Wednesday, August 14. The evening will raise money for The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation (CDLS). It will include a three course meal and entertainment and cost is £26 per person. Contact the restaurant for tickets.