In a new series going behind the scenes at the region's most exciting eateries, Andrea Calvesbert visits Kempsey's Gurkha Knight.

Pictures: Emma Attwood

Kempsey might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning an exotic meal with a far eastern flavour, but now it's time to think again.

Diners are guaranteed to have their tastebuds tempted at The Gurkha Knight restaurant, pub and lounge. Even with a rise in the number of gastropubs offering classy cuisine, the Gurkha Knight has carved itself a slightly different niche with its tempting array of Nepalese, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine.

Whether you are planning a family celebration or an intimate dinner for two, the restaurant, named after the Nepalese Gurkhas who have contributed to the British Army for more than 200 years, is a great setting.

At The Gurkha Knight, owner Gopal Paudyal and his team have researched the traditional Nepalese methods of food preparation and have discovered much about its health benefits and flavour enhancing herbs.

"Now we want to share these discoveries with our guests," said Mr Paudyal. "Under the supervision of executive chef Devendra Kafley, The Gurkha Knight offers a delicious pan-Nepalese menu carefully chosen to reflect the delicate styles and flavours of the homeland of the brave Gurkhas.

"Situated on the edge of Kempsey Common, near Worcester, it is ideally located for pre and post-theatre dining and we cater for any party or celebration. The restaurant dining area is stylish and modern yet still retains its Nepalese feel and is the perfect environment to complement the superbly executed menu."

There is even a choice of restaurant -- the intimate Kamasutra dining hall, the Everest Nepalese Cuisine dining hall, the Kathmandu Oriental buffet hall, Gopal's lounge, the Gurkha lounge and the Farmer's lounge.

To book a table, call 01905 820252 or 07956 547676. For those who want a flavour of the cuisine in their own home, a takeaway service is available.

Meet the chef in charge of creating the mouth-watering flavours at the Gurkha Knight is head chef Devendra Kafley.

In his mid-30s, Devendra has worked all over the world, gaining experience in creating traditional oriental dishes first hand, and now uses this knowledge to create his own superb dishes blending spices and flavours in a unique way.

He began his career in India, and also spent two years in China and a year in Singapore before moving to London, where he worked for two years before coming to Worcestershire.

Creating such a range of Nepalese, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Thai dishes requires a highly specialised chef and Devendra fits the bill. To ensure the flavours are authentic, Devendra and Mr Paudyal draw up the menu and order the ingredients to be shipped directly from the countries whose cuisine they are creating, mainly from China, Thailand and other parts of Asia.