THE bars in Bath spilled out on to the streets on the balmy September evening we went to Las Iguanas.

The four of us had enjoyed teenage holidays together in Spain; 16 years on it was time for a reunion but the ideal venue did not easily come to mind.

Nowadays we needed sophistication, excellent food, of course, and a lively atmosphere, we're not past it after all.

Las Iguanas, a Latin American restaurant which has its entrance tucked away in a courtyard in the Seven Dials development, looked as if it might fit the bill.

Once we were seated, a combination of old holiday snaps and the fact it was a no smoking eatery had us hurriedly reaching for the cocktail menu.

A Margherita, a Cosmopolitan and an Island Affair (not strong enough) were accompanied by nibbles of olives in herbs, bread and nachos with refried beans, salsa and guacamole, which got a big thumbs up.

The place is obviously thriving and at around 9pm at the weekend was packed with several loud, large parties.

There are four restaurants in this tiny Bristol-originated chain (mostly in cities beginning with b) and the emphasis is very much on 'slick'.

The staff don't force tequila down your throat or dress up and sombreros are not de rigeur. Instead it's got a cool 'outdoor living' look, terracotta everywhere, with funky sounds.

We bypassed the starters and attempted to choose a mouthwatering dish from swordfish, duck or Argentinian steak to butternut squash.

My Pescado Burrito, £8.30, a baked tortilla filled with crayfish and salmon with guacamole on (for once) tasty refried beans, was something special.

The crayfish was so incredible I'd like to go back and ask them where they buy it; there was some lime juice in there somewhere and although I was initially unsure about mixing it with salmon, the overall taste was heaven.

Louise had an amazon-sized portion of juicy chicken and vegetable fajitas, Katy was made up with her chicken enchilda, although the cheese made it sickly, and Sheralyn looked slightly pale as she attempted something called Xinxim, chicken with a rich Brazilian sauce of mushy peanut and lemon.

We had the decency to order two desserts between us bread and butter pudding (physically small, but a huge hit) and passion fruit cheesecake (so-so).

At £81.80 we felt it was good value. Bad bits? Well, the mystery diners were disgruntled when the cutlery was not immediately at hand and the table though spotless felt tacky.

The four amigos' verdict? It's not El Dorado, but it hit the spot and you can't beat if for Latin spice.

Claire Waring

Fact file

Las Iguanas, 12 Seven Dials, Sawclose, Bath (01225) 336666

From 12-6pm, two courses cost £6 and three courses cost £7

It's GM-free food

Terrace dining in the summer

There is a juice and cocktail bar downstairs called Pulp

Website: www.iguanas.co.uk