Among the ever-increasing number of restaurants crowding into this area, Escale adds a Turkish option to the repertoire.

It has established a reputation as a popular 'local' - good, unpretentious food with amiable, efficient service and wallet-friendly prices certainly attracts the regulars.

Booking is essential most nights, but you will never be hurried on your way should you linger longer than planned.

Weather permitting, there are pavement tables at the front.

Small samplers of meze with very moreish bread are served on arrival: a ploy that usually results in the mixed cold meze starter being the first entry on the waiter's pad.

Hot starters include patates kôftesi, which are Turkish potato croquettes; particularly delicious felafel; or perhaps kiymali b?rek, little filo parcels filled with minced lamb and herbs.

Main course dishes are substantial; the mixed grill - consisting of lamb, chicken, lamb shish, kofte and lamb's liver, served with bulghar wheat and salad - will satisfy the healthiest of appetites, while the chicken shish is plentiful and perfectly chargrilled.

The deep-fried sardines are served in a sharp lemon marinade and there is grilled sea bass on a bed of spinach.

A small selection of vegetarian dishes is also available and includes veggie moussaka; mushroom Stroganoff; or m?cver (courgette and feta cheese fritters).

Puddings include all the usual suspects including rice pudding, ice cream, and cheesecake.

Escale is a pleasant local that has got both its atmosphere and pricing about right.