Last weekend, I was delighted to be invited along to celebrate Diwali at an award-winning Basingstoke restaurant.

As Indian has always been one of my favourite cuisines, I was excited to try the food at Spices and Spirits in Kings Furlong, which has had so many rave reviews and won the critics’ choice prize at the English Curry Awards, just two years after opening.

However, the night was so much more than just dinner. It was a evening of colour and joy, of friendship and celebration.

From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel welcome. We were offered face painting and henna, and played an ice-breaking round of pani puri roulette - with my tastebuds thanking me for landing on a sweet mango flavour rather than the spiciest ‘level’.

The buffet-style food was varied and delicious - and it just kept coming. The kitchen was also accommodating of my food allergies, which was pleasingly noted.

The recipes come from Anushree, who began her cooking business from home before Nitin quit his job to manage the business. “It’s my passion,” she told me. And in the explosive flavours, that passion was evident.

Between courses, games were played, including a quick-fire quiz in which I learned a lot about Diwali, wine, and Christmas! Gifts were given to every participant, and then the dancing commenced.

Now, I am no dancer, but the music, while unknown to me, was familiar to many of the restaurant’s regulars who had come along to the party. And it was impossible to resist joining in.

I left feeling I had been privileged to have taken part in such a welcoming and happy tradition, and determined not to leave it too long until I return to Spices and Spirits.