CHESTERS 51, New Street Worcester Telephone: 01905 611638

THERE has always been a lot more to Chesters in New Street, Worcester, than your typical tacos and burritos. The atmospheric restaurant, situated on two levels, is known for its hearty portions and wide range of meats, fish, seafood and its trademark vegan and vegetarian dishes.

So my amigo and I decided to head down Mexico way on a warm spring evening.

Upon entering we were greeted by the relaxed ambience of the Sol Bar, which stocks an extensive range of beers from across the globe.

We decided to enjoy a refreshing Sol while we waited for our table.

Previously, I have dined in the atmospheric cellar but we were shown to our window seats in the upper level.

It was certainly enjoyable to kick back and enjoy a tasty meal while watching the passing hordes descend upon Worcester's fleshpots.

I started with Mexican chick pea ratatouille (£5.45). It was a treat; mildly spiced with soft chickpeas combining well with the crisp tortilla bed and complemented by a fresh mix of veg which melded perfectly with the cheese and balsamic mayo topping.

My pal chose goats’ cheese tart (£5.95), which he declared “gorgeous”. The combo of cheese, caramelised onions, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes worked well and looked the part served in a flour tortilla basket.

The mains were truly extensive. I chose the roasted garlic seafood (£13.45).

A host of cuttlefish, baby squid, mussels, octopus shrimps and tiger prawns served in a roasted garlic cream sauce.

The juicy seafish was just the right chewy texture and was complemented by the wild, red and brown rice. For research reasons I picked at the two hunks of garlic bread, which tasted good, but the meal had been substantial enough.

My chum opted for chimi-changas (£11.75) – two 10-inch flour tortillas, crammed with cheese and onion. For filling he chose Mexican chicken and stilton and cider mushrooms.

He said that both were delicious and the mushrooms were particularly big and succulent. He opted for rice rather than a combi salad but had to admit defeat before he could polish off his plate.

We were both afraid that desserts on offer, such as the chocolate suicide cake, would live up to their names and opted for something lighter.

The dairy-free vegan ice-cream (£4.25), was a revelation. Who needs to milk poor old Daisy when ice-cream tastes this good? Sumptuous scoops of vanilla, blueberry and raspberry were served up.

Exquisite.

With plentiful food, a pleasant environment and friendly, efficient staff, Chesters is top-notch. It was a great evening’s dining but after three courses you wouldn’t really be in the mood for a Mexican hat dance, maybe more of a sitdown.

We bade our hosts a friendly Mexican wave, but we’ll be back. Hasta la vista.

Food 4/5 Value for Money 4/5 Ambience 5/5 Service 5/5