With the World Cup on everybody's lips, the last thing I needed to be reminded of was Mexico.

Mexico City was the scene of Diego Maradona's "hand of God" goal which knocked England out of the World Cup.

A tenuous link, I know, but in the current scheme of things a relevant one.

Aside from that, I don't have a problem with Mexico. I particularly enjoy the food and was not disappointed by La Cantina in Bedford Place.

The restaurant is decked out in traditional style with wooden flooring and furniture, with pictures on the wall depicting Mexican scenes - most involving tequila!

We started with nachos especiales and filo-wrapped tiger prawns with home-made salsa sauce with a side salad.

The nachos - for one - were enough for two and were layered with refried beans (you can also have chilli beef), accompanied by a delicious combi-nation of salsa sauce, guacamole and sour cream.

The tiger prawns were immaculately presented with the pastry wrapped tight, leaving the tail exposed. They've never really appealed to me but, having tasted them, I could well be tempted again.

Despite a packed restaurant, the main dishes did not take long to arrive. My partner went for chicken fajitas. The flour tortillas were delightfully fresh, slightly warm, and accompanied by traditional Mexican garnishes served on a sizzling skillet with peppers and Spanish onions.

The menu was very extensive and I could have chosen from four or five dishes but went for pollo barbacoa. The chicken was marinated and slow-cooked, smothered in La Cantina's unique barbaco sauce. As the name might suggest, it was a Mexican-style barbecue sauce full of flavour, accompanied by picoso rice and a small salad.

With a couple of drinks, the bill came to just under £35. If you fancy meal on a Sunday, they even offer Mexican-style roast.

La Cantina, Bedford Place, Southampton: Reservations: 023 8022 0500.