La Mancha was heaving on Friday night but we managed to grab the last table in preference to four sitting at the bar - fine if there is only two of you!

The staff were quick and attentive to bring the San Miguels (£3.50) and a smooth bottle of Marques De Caceres (£21.10). With just over an hour to order, eat, drink and pay - timing was no problem.

The Jamon Serrano (£6.50) & garlic bread (£2.50) was on the table before the wine could be poured and these were quickly followed by sizzling Chorizo Rosario (chorizo in red wine £5.50) and Vieras (scallops wrapped in bacon in a lobster sauce £7.95) my friends raved about the latter, but sadly I cannot eat seafood so it was off limits to me!

The last tapas to complete the order were Gambas en Gabardina - again off limits to me but I am assured that they were very good - they certainly disappeared quickly! (Fried large prawns wrapped in fillo pastry w/ piquant sauce £5.85) with Patatas Ali-oli (Potatoes with garlic mayonnaise £3.95) and Spare ribs (Costillas de Cerdo con Tomate £5.95) to die for - the meat fell off the bone dripping in a sweet honey & tomato sauce.

La Mancha offers a great experience good friends, great laughs and fabulous tapas - if I had to find a fault then it was very loud - but perhaps we are simply showing our age!