THE saying goes that variety is the spice of life.

That’s not quite been the case at Bordon Curry House (BCH), as chicken tikka masala remains the go-to dish for most of its early customers.

But early evening shoppers at The Forest Centre agree the Indian takeaway is the perfect addition to the area.

“I think the Forest Centre is really the heart of Bordon and this is just what we need,” said a customer on Monday.

Interest in the town’s newest eatery has been hot ever since the BCH opened last Wednesday. The takeaway run by husband and wife team Sabbir and Julie Ahmed has filled the hole left by HSBC’s departure several years ago, not to mention plenty of stomachs during the last week.

The pair have around four decades of takeaway experience between them and previously ran a tandoori in Bentley. A career in curry has always seemed likely, though, as Julie’s mum is West Indian so the couple share a love of spice.

Although the doors have only been opened for eight days, the pair are already thinking about the future having received plenty of rave reviews for their subcontinental cuisine.

“When we first saw the advert for this place it wasn’t love at first sight,” said Julie.

“It had been empty for a few years but we saw the possibilities. We looked at another unit but we thought this one would be best as it’s right beside the car park.

“It’s quite big and it’s an ideal space for a restaurant. Maybe down the line that might happen.”

The arrival of Morrisons Local and the BCH seems to have injected some life into the centre, as people can walk through later into the evening because of their extended hours. There has been plenty of walk-ins with no sign of the initial surge of interest slowing down.

Julie said: “This shopping centre in the evening used to be so quiet but now it’s getting more life. It’s good to be here and we’re enjoying it.”