It's a chilly winter night in Manchester and sharing a plate of hot tapas in a Spanish restaurant with friends is just what you envisage; now put your thoughts to rest and head straight to La Casona Restaurant at Heaton Moor. Watch the earthy interior interspersed with the general bonhomie of diners and soon you'll be en route to a gastronomic tour to Northern Spain, the homeland of its founder Carlos Menendez.

Lamb chilindron, a hearty stew laced with Rioja leads the way, followed by sea bass cooked in olive oil, garlic and lemon, and gambas pil-pil, those sizzling prawns with a hint of chilli. Tapas is more than just those delicious mouthfuls of food, they are a way of life in itself attuned to the Spanish character, Manchego cheese, deep fried battered squid rings and lamb meatballs in onion gravy are some delectable options.

Giant paella cooked before guests by the Spanish chef succeeds well in bringing a dose of cheer to any outdoor event.