At a time when one can't think of burning too many holes in the pocket places like Bistro 1 come to the rescue, and who would not love a bustling busy place, serving value-for-money Mediterranean food accompanied by an exciting selection of world wines anyway? There are three outlets in Soho and one in Covent Garden, each a celebration of good cooking inviting diners to explore the lighter side of dining - both on the palate and the wallet.

Turkish spicy sausages with salad and chef's dressing, char-grilled sardines with garlic mayonnaise and deep-fried spicy chicken on skewers with a garlic yogurt dip could fire up the taste buds. Then there are more delights in store and even the most picky eaters amongst us will be spoilt for choice, think mixed seafood penne pasta, Mediterranean style meat or vegetable moussaka, beef bourguignon and fillet of sea bream topped with smoked salmon and saffron cream. Finally a sweet spark to the meal could come in the form of a banoffee pie or an apple tarte tatin.