Address: Bacup Rd, Rawtenstall

Phone number: 01706 218900

Lancashire Telegraph review by Kimberley Hall from January 5, 2009.

THIS was my first tapas restaurant experience in England, and with a group of 11 to feed, the restaurant had its work cut out!

Tapas is a very social way of eating and is good for people like me who enjoy trying a little bit of everything. Some people wouldn't feel like they’ve had a full meal, but I thought it was the perfect way to taste some interesting dishes. Eating tapas suits a big group — as long as you can decide which dishes to choose!

The drinks were as pricey as they seem to be everywhere, a large glass of wine costing £4.95 and a pint at £3.40. We went for the £14.95 per person set menu which included a selection of garlic bread, mixed salad, Spanish omelette and patatas bravas — cubes of potatoes with a spicy sauce, followed by three dishes of our choice for the party to share. Because there was so many of us, we chose six dishes in smaller quantities.

The garlic bread was devoured as soon as it arrived and was very tasty although not quite crunchy enough for me.

The salad was well presented and had a tangy olive oil dressing on it.

Having been to Granada recently, my better half was keen to try patatas bravas that we missed on holiday.

He said they tasted good and reminded him of chip shop curry sauce.

It was quite a spicy dish but I thought it could have done with a bit more flavour.

The omelette had a milder taste to the other dishes, but was quite stodgy and filling.

The aubergines came with an interesting tomato and herb sauce and the mushrooms sauteed with garlic, olive oil and white wine smelled good although the better half didn’t try them as they looked ‘squidgy’.

We also had meatballs which were soft and tasty, marinated chicken kebabs in spices, classic chorizo pan fried in red wine which had a great flavour although the chorizo was slightly rubbery but the marinated fresh anchovies were a refreshing change.

The verdict

A social way of eating, with tasty food but not for hearty appetites.

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