CURRY and pickles were a good combination when a secretary of state dined at a Salisbury restaurant.

The Right Honourable Eric Pickles attended a dinner party with 80 guests at Hox Brassiere on Friday.

Mr Pickles said he enjoyed “every bite” of his meal and owner Atiqul Hoque said he was delighted to welcome him to Salisbury.

“It was always in my mind to invite Eric Pickles to Hox purely because he loves Indian food and I was confident with our food,” he said. “After year and half we finally managed to get him to Salisbury and I'm very grateful to John Glen MP for arranging it.”