My friend Karen and I went to the Costa del Sol Spanish restaurant in Whyteleafe for lunch recently, and our first impression was of a very friendly restaurant with a "nice family feel" as Karen put it. We received a warm Spanish welcome and it didn't take us long to feel relaxed and content as we selected our tapas dishes for lunch. Fish dishes are a Spanish speciality, so we chose the Fritura Mixta (mixed fried fish) which included squid, sardines and prawns, as well as the 'Costilletas de Cordero' (Cutlets from best end of lamb). Joe, the owner of the restaurant, also recommended one of the day's specials, the Medallions of Pork with peppercorn sauce, and as a vegetable dish we chose the 'Patatas Bravas' (deep fried potatoes in tomato and chilli sauce). The lamb cutlets were a real delicacy but our particular favourite was the wonderfully tender Medallions of Pork. From the wide selection of desserts I chose the 'Meringue al Gran Torres', (meringue with ice cream, cream and orange liqueur) and Karen opted for vanilla ice cream.

The Costa del Sol is ideal for lunch - the nearby car park offers three hours free parking and it is easy to find on the Godstone Road. This month, Joe has introduced a special lunch menu offering a choice of two delicious tapas dishes and a glass of beer or wine or a soft drink for just £7.95. Amongst the set menu choices are Grilled Sardines, Spanish Omelette, Chorizo sausage fried in Rioja wine, Patatas Bravas, and Mixed Salad. What a fabulous deal! Call Costa del Sol on 01883 386789 to book a table or pop in to see them at 215 Godstone Road, Whyteleafe. CR3 0EL.