THERE are a lot of things about Amigo’s Mexican restaurant that I didn’t expect to like.

We’re talking clashing citrus-coloured walls, plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. But somehow Amigo’s works.

Step inside and you feel like tucking into a plate of delicious spicy food and knocking back a tequila cocktail.

The sombreros and straw donkey decorations, the wonky walls (it’s housed in one of Worcester’s oldest timber-framed buildings) and the slightly worn feel of the place all make you feel in the mood for Mexican.

And the best thing about Amigo’s – apart from our extremely efficient and friendly waitress – is that it’s all about the food.

Amigo’s cooks each dish freshly, allowing plenty of time for you to sit back, relax and take another slug from your bottle of Sol – straight from the bottle with lime, of course.

For starters we chose the fishcakes and chorizo salad, both priced £6.25. Both dishes were a tasty start to our meal. The fishcakes – fresh fish mixed with spring onion, sweetcorn, herbs and spices – came with a lovely fresh side salad and were delicious.

My companion enjoyed his salad of sautéed chorizo sausage with garlic and herb croutons, avocado, cherry tomatoes and dressed leaves, which whetted his appetite for more Mexican flavours.

For our main course we opted for those Mexican classics – a beef chimichangas and a chicken enchiladas, both £9.75. Again they were a hit. The portions here are on the bigger side, especially considering the richness of the food, and both were delicious.

Although spicy, neither dish was too hot, allowing all the herbs and spices to come through. And we were particularly pleased to find that the enchiladas was cooked on a griddle and not deep fried as it can be elsewhere.

We had ordered a side salad for £3.25, which offered a fresh contrast to the bulging wraps of spiced meat and cheese.

And it didn’t disappoint – packed with colour, it had salad, fruit and coleslaw in it.

We finished off our meal with lime cheesecake and a steamed honey pudding off the specials board, both priced £4.25. Both were delicious and certainly tasted homemade – except for the retro squirty cream!

If you’re looking for a relaxed eaterie to enjoy a freshly cooked, tasty meal and great service you could do no better than Amigo’s.

Stephanie Preece HOW IT RATED Food *** Service **** Ambience *** Value for money ****