Mexican

The Boyfriend and I were huge fans (to the point of obsession) with a tacky and over the top mexican restaurant on Battersea Rise called Dos Amigos. On arrival you were seated by a man wearing a ridiculous sombrero, a billowing blouse, and with maracas attached to his belt. On sitting down a similar sombrero was wedged on your own head, while you drank luminous coloured cocktails filled with straws, sparklers and umbrellas.

Much to our upset Dos Amigos closed last year. Sigh.

But last week a new mexican opened up, also on Battersea Rise. Hurrah!

Cucurachas has a little more class (when I say class I mean class in terms of Dos Amigos - do not go here if you are expecting suave and sophisticated). It is still hilarious inside - there is faux gold velvet pinned to the walls, and a hand painted purple and gold motif on the wall surrounded by big fake feathers. But the drinks look a little less radioactive and the margharitas are really yum.

The food is good if you want cheap and cheerful - and it is most definitely NOT first date food. It is sloppy and tasty and very very messy. We're talking salsa, beef and cheese covered nachos with no cutlery. But it is great value, and while the waiters are a tad scatty, you'll get everything you need in the end (and probably a little more on the side!) and at £4 each, any situation can be salvaged with a margharita.