Caterham may not be the sunniest of climes at present, but it's easy to create the illusion of being in the Mediterrenean if you spend an evening in our local Spanish restaurant, Casa Lola.  Gio the owner has created a Spanish haven, with the decor, music and food to transport you into a world of continental conviviality, without needing a passport.

When I visited the restaurant recently, I noticed that despite the large number of diners, the spacious atmosphere enabled easy conversation, without being drowned out by the other diners. It was the first visit to Casa Lola for my friend Keith, and his first impression was how clean and tidy the restaurant felt.  He especially liked the layout of the restaurant and the attractive Spanish tiles.  

Despite being tempted by Paella, sea bass, steak and a number of other main courses, my friend and I decided to opt for a selection of Tapas dishes to share.  We ordered Gambas al Ajillo (prawns in a garlic, chilli and white wine sauce), Calamares (deep friend squid in batter), Raxo (pork fillets Galician style), Espinacas con Nata (spinach with garlic, chilli, cheese and cream - one of my favourites!) and a mixed salad.  I requested some bread - essential to soak up the delicious juices!  The waiter also brought up a bowl of Tortilla chips for us to dip into the Espinacas.  To accompany our meal, we had a bottle of 'Amapola 2007', a medium sweet wine from Penedes in Spain - perfect.

After letting our delicious main course go down, I must admit we were tempted to order dessert and these proved to be just as mouthwatering as the tapas dishes.  Keith chose the Cesto de Frut A, a vanilla ice cream and forest fruit sorbet coated with a raspberry sauce - "The best pudding I have ever tasted!" he said.  I had Fillous de la Casa, a cold pancake filled with cream and topped with Tia Maria.  

Afterwards, it somehow didn't feel right stepping out into the cold night air. Where was the sound of the cicadas and the smell of bougainvillea?

Casa Lola Spanish Tapas Bar, 8 Croydon Road, Caterham Valley.  Telephone:  01883 341010