With the Christmas party season just around the corner, now is the time to plan your office party and one of the most popular local nightspots is Spanish restaurant, Casa Lola in Croydon Road, Caterham Valley.

The spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups but on my recent visit there, it was clearly also popular with couples. My friend Jill and I went on a Saturday night when it was buzzing with diners all enjoying a great night out. On arrival we were promptly shown to our table and, with our drinks order taken, we happily perused the numerous dishes on offer, both in the menu and on the Specials board.

We both decided to have the Espinacas con Nata (spinach with garlic, chilli, cheese and cream) as our tapas starter, followed by Patas de Cangrejo (crablets), Pollo al Ajillo (bone-in chicken in garlic and white wine), Chorizo Riojana (hot Spanish sausage fried in Rioja wine) and Patata Brava (deep fried potatoes in tomato, garlic and chilli sauce) to share for our main course. The spinach starter was described by Jill as 'lovely!' with small pieces of chille giving a subtle kick to a beautifully creamy dish.

The selection of tapas that followed was declared by Jill (after a glass of white wine) to be a 'symphony of flavours!' and I had to agree. The delicate flavour of the crablets, the spicy chorizo and the garlic chicken accompanied by the Patata Brava and a bottle of Pinot Grigot made for a very tasty combination that we worked our way through in true relaxed, Spanish fashion. The cheerful ambience in the restaurant and the Spanish background music along with a great meal made for a very enjoyable evening.

Their Special Christmas menu at just £14.50 for three courses and a coffee is fantastic value, so book your Christmas party early!