La Cantina

I have given this a 4 based partly on the quality of company but a cold reviewer may have given a 3 if they weren't as 'sociable' as I was (after all the Pino) to notice what the food was like.

Family run place, complete with crazy waiter and barman who was also iPod dj. Everyone is Italian. And bonkers. Say hi to Angelo (boss) when you call in.

Classic Italiano; parma ham, mozzarella you know the stuff. Almost too much choice on the menu.

As I mentioned above, this was a manic busy dinner for 30 for a mate's birthday. Formless and noisy (us), the waiter decided that we would all share starters and ordered for us, we then chose mains.

The starters turned out to be the best bit. As soon as the mains were finished (along with a LOT of wine) the tables were pushed back and cramped "shape-throwing" commmenced. All good fun and the staff were very accomodating, remining open (just for us) until 1am!

A nice place for a not (too) expensive en masse dinner.

Decor nothing special, food nothing special, service fun, atmosphere BYO. It was perfect for what we needed but not the place for a dinner for 2 - I am prepared to be corrected by someone who has been for a dinner for 2.

Charlotte Street was really buzzy (this was a tuesday) and could be worth checking out any number of the pubs and bars around there - I think I will.