I’d said ‘Wednesday? We won’t need to book a table’.

But my wife overrode my comment and gave Vincenzo’s, which sits snuggly on the main street in the centre of Crawshawbooth, a ring.

And it’s a good job she did too! By the time we arrived at 8pm the place was heaving.

It’s only a small restaurant but it’s big on service and atmosphere. Some people may moan about the proximity of fellow diners but, for me, squeezing around 35 people into the two eating areas added to the Italian ambiance of informality and friendliness.

And the fact that every seat was full - on a Wednesday remember - was testament to Vincenzo’s growing reputation.

The front of house service by the three convivial hosts was exceptional and their eyes were kept on everyone’s needs at every second.

And after a busy shift in the kitchen Vincenzo himself appeared to check with every table that his clientele were going home happy.

Down to the food. We kept it simple by choosing a garlic tomato pizza and a platter of antipasto primavera to share which proved a meal in itself.

Our mains, spaghetti polpette (meatballs in a rich tomato sauce) and linguini with a sauce full of mussels and prawns were a delight.

Be warned – the portions are more than ample but you can get a ‘doggy bag’.

The house wine, a pinot grigio, at £12.95 a bottle, was as refreshing in price as it was in flavour.

An added bonus whichever direction you are travelling is that the Witch Way Burnley to Manchester bus stops directly outside.

VERDICT

  • Food: 8
  • Drink:8 
  • Service: 9
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 8