I’d Bento- ver backwards for repeat

they might sound.

The multiplicity of flavours and textures plays a delightful havoc with your tastebuds, which explore and enjoy the combinations, while waiting for the thrill of a mean little chili popping up sporadically.

The siege of my stomach continued with a couple of nibbles at another set of starters, before a second course of duck pancake. Always a winner

On to the main event. Again, the commonplace and the queer were ordered together. The Thai green curry and chicken in cashew nut sat by Mala chicken ( peanut sauce and chili pasty).

And then there was the downright bizarre: strawberry prawns. What sounds like the warped brainchild of Heston Blumenthal looked pretty, but to me it just seemed like two different entities on a plate which didn’t really gel together.

The green curry was lovely, but maybe a little watery, butthe Mala chicken was beyond complaint, a wonderful blend of spices and textures. Definite winner.

Unforgiveably we were packed by the end. Rookie mistakes of ordering too much at the start had ruined us.

We looked like a set of bagpipes, fat and full with limbs splayed.

In total, with desserts and three beers, we paid under £ 50. That represented excellent value in my eyes.

On our night customer service was excellent. Judging by Tripadvisor reviews this is not always the case but I can only go on what I experienced, on a quiet but by no means dead Monday night.

We really enjoyed our night and only have a few complaints.

There is a little reminder that you shouldn’t over order, which some might find rude.

And the sweet section had all the imagination of an Eastenders Christmas special. Our hazelnut ice cream was good, but forgettable.

I could not say it is the greatest Chinese I have ever had, but where Imperial Bento excels is its range of options.

Your old favourites can be accompanied by a few little unusual interlopers, and that is the joy of a night here.