IT was a grey Friday, so the features desk decided to go ‘down Mexico way’ to find some heat.

We’d only ever been to dine at Chiquito in the evening, so we agreed to try it out at lunchtime for a change.

It can be pricey to eat at the chain restaurant especially if you go with the family – and it is very children orientated – but prices are more reasonable through the day.

What you will always get though is a little bit of spice, with a menu of sizzling Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, which comes however you like it.

You can opt for burritos, sizzling fajitas and tacos, which will be customised for non-meat eaters, or those who like it hot.

From 11am until 5pm, you can buy a starter for £2.50 with a main, so I opted for deep filled potato skins with chorizo and my adventurous friend tried the chilli poppers, which apart from being a Texan favourite, just happen to be her’s as well. The breaded jalopenos were filled with a cream cheese sauce and served with a lovely and sweet chilli jelly.

On to the mains and I had a quarter chicken, with plenty of meat, and a tangy, barbecue sauce, chips and coleslaw, for £7.95, while a juicy, tender beefburger, with added cheese, served on a bun with salad and chipotle mayo, at £6.45 was the other choice.

The drinks had to be soft, as we had to come back to our desks, but the restaurant has a ‘drink as much as you want for no extra’ offer, for £2.55 so we opted for coke and apple juice.

Just a word about the service — it’s quick, efficient and very friendly. Staff take time to explain the menu and make you feel welcome.

VERDICT

  • Food: 8
  • Drink: 8
  • Service: 9
  • Atmosphere: 7
  • Value: 7