Friendly Mexican was full of zest (From Echo)

Friendly Mexican was full of zest

8:00pm Thursday 21st October 2010 in Leisure By Laura Smith

A CHILLY autumn evening called for something to warm our bellies.

We looked no further than the newly-opened Pancho’s Cantina in Rayleigh High Street, to transport us to the sunnier climes of Mexico.

Like its sister restaurant in Westcliff, it is fully decked out in a Central American theme.

The fiery orange walls had been artexed to give a rustic feel and were adorned with sombreros and ornamental geckos.

The look was completed with a cast-iron candelabra, which makes you feel as if you should be swinging from it armed with a pistol.

The restaurant was bustling and we found it was fully booked for the next two Saturday nights.

I started with plump buffalo wings basted in a zingy sauce. To take the heat off a bit, the wings were accompanied by a chunky blue cheese dip.

My partner had crispy potato skins brim-filled with cheese and bacon, and complemented with sour cream dip.

I then went for the restaurant speciality – fajitas. A sizzling plate arrived with so much beef I could barely make inroads into it.

The dish came with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, salad, cheese, and tortillas and went down a treat.

My partner had a huge juicy cheeseburger and chips. We also had a side of crispy onion rings and some quite mild jalapenos.

We topped the meal off with a lemon sorbet served up in a frozen lemon, and an ice cream topped with amaretto.

We left feeling full and satisfied. The restaurant has a party feel and the lights were dimmed for a rendition of Happy Birthday to one of the groups inside.

There is even the option to try a few tequilas, and a certificate is on offer for anyone brave enough to take on a small bottle of Mezcal with the agave worm inside.

The service was efficient and friendly and, behind the bar, they were even shimmying to La Bamba and other tunes.

We found this to be a perfect place to take the edge off a cold night.

What we ate Buffalo wings £4.95 Loaded potato skins £4.95 Steak Fajita £12.25 Burger De-luxe £9.25 Onion Rings £2.70 Jalapenos £2.90 Lemon Sorbet £4.25 Liqueur ice cream £4.25

Our verdict Atmosphere 5; Food 4; Decor 4; Value 4; Service 4; Disabled access Yes.