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The folk in Malaga were all geared up for a castanet-clickin' shindig in September 1914. It's a shame so few people from Oxfordshire could make it to the party, owing to the fact they were being machine-gunned in Belgium.

The conflict is billed as the first 'world' war, but Spain was one of many countries that didn't play a role. So the Andalusian city, birthplace of wacky painter Picasso and later a haven for 'Sarf Lunnon' criminals, was free to make merry with the sangria and put on what must have been a memorable extravaganza 94 years ago.

Why else would there be a poster for that year's Malaga fiestas, in the toilets of La Tasca, throbbing with colour and sassy Latin energy? I'm referring to the poster, rather than La Tasca - although, to my surprise, this chain acquitted itself quite well when I visited with a friend to nibble at 'Tapas for a Tenner' on a Wednesday night.

As we made our way through the lively - no, make that raucous - restaurant, a shrill lady whooped with delight when a birthday dessert garnished with a fizzing sparkler was placed before her. Somebody was having a good time.

We took our seats in the middle of the restaurant, noting the tables were spaced just far enough apart for a confidential chinwag.

WHAT DID YOU ORDER?

The Tapas for a Tenner offer, which applies from Sunday to Thursday, and appeared to have very little small print attached. A comprehensive list was available: olives, bread, garlic bread, toasted bread, fried potatoes in tomato sauce, paella (veggie as well as the usual sort), mushrooms, aubergines, potatoes with onions and peppers, bean casserole, goat's cheese salad, leafy salad with tuna and egg, chorizo in red wine, meatballs, cured meats, deep-fried seafood, chicken breast, chicken wings and chicken on skewers.

Having been assured it really was an eat as much as you like deal, we ordered most of 'em.

AND WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Fair, although the fried seafood was disappointing - plenty of batter and mayo, with squid and tuna, but I didn't see any of the supposed whitebait or prawns. Both versions of the paella disappeared especially quickly, as did the spicy chicken on skewers, even if the paella wouldn't have impressed the purists. The nosh was McTapas.

Despite being almost full, my companion and I decided we'd round off with an organic vanilla ice cream with a shot of sherry poured over it, which melted into a luscious puddle.

VERDICT: None of the grub was worth raving about, but at this price, it was a bargain (I wouldn't be so upbeat if I was buying a la carte). And the service - which I've heard some people moan about - was on this occasion prompt and friendly, despite the place being rammed. Incidentally, no 'suggested' service charge was added to the bill.

ASSORTED FACTS: There's a children's deal - two tapas, a drink and dessert (either ice cream or fresh fruit) for £3.95 The Tapas for a Tenner offer is for a maximum of eight people The menu lists which items are veggie and gluten-free.

THE BILL Tapas £10 each; Ice cream £3.95; Pt San Miguel £3.25; Btl Estrella £2.95; Jug iced waterfree TOTAL: £30.15

4:11pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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