Latin american 'cheese' with non-challenging food done well.

The inside might look a little on the dark side but once you are accustomed to the light level (which seemed to vary on a cycle), it is very pleasant for an evening meal (one would hope that they turn the lights up a little for lunchtime). We were a little early and were shown to the bar. Since this is a latin restaurant, Nice Gem and I thought "What better way to kick off the evening than with a margarita". We were given 3 choices; straight up, on the rocks or frozen. How exciting, we thought and opted for frozen. Perfect margaritas, complete with salt rim and lime, plus a 2 for 1 offer.Nice Gem and I made the unanimous decision to stick with cocktails for the whole night, despite the 2 for 1 offer only running until 19.30.

We were neatly escorted to our table at exactly 19.00, orders were taken at 19.30 and the first course arrived at 20.00. This might seem a little long to wait but we were a party of 16 and it was a busy Saturday night, so I think it is well within the bounds of acceptability.

Chorizo in Rioja to start, and I have to say, it was a delight. The chorizo was soft, flavoursome, and verging on the side of picante. Some patrons may be of a delicate disposition and prefer their chorizo to be a bland salami. If this describes you, don't bother reading on, because latin food is clearly too much for your sensibilities. The chorizo was also served with just enough bread to mop up some of the delicious sauce, but still leave plenty of room for the main course.

The Chimichanga, the hispanic word for whats-it or thingy-majig, amused me so much that I plumbed for that as a main. It traditionally consists of shredded chicken, with some fried peppers and onions inside a tortilla, which is then itself fried (just don't tell your doctor). It was served with mexican fried beans and rice and scrumptious guacamole (which just the right amount of garlic). Again it was not an all-you-can-eat affair but still rather satisfying.

Albeit a chain, Las Iguanas seem to take an interest in the needs of their customers, and employ capable staff. The bar staff made mean cocktails, with no trace of the usual (and somewhat miserly) measuring cups, they relied only on their visual perception (even if their party tricks with the bottles suffered from little oopsa-daisies). We loved it. The music was appropriate and just the right volume for conversation, but still allowed you to feel the fiesta spirit. The restaurant appears to be a popular venue for hen nights, but the staff seem to put larger groups towards the back of the restaurant, while smaller (and possibly less rowdy) tables are nestled towards the front. Pleasantly, customers are not rushed off their seat by an MD who manages the tables like a jigsaw puzzle, instead you can linger with your six (or possibly seventh) cocktail, marveling at what a lovely meal you've just had and just how lovely all your friends are.

Las Iguanas has charm, surprisingly good food, competant staff and would be delightful to visit again.

You might not want to venture out, as we did, on a night monster trucks were doing battle in the city centre, but on this occasion our prize was worthy of our quest.

And thats not just the margaritas talking.