IF it were not for the view of the local supermarket through the window, you could almost believe you were on a remote Greek island. The decor, the atmosphere and even the grape vines on the ceiling at Sokrates on Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, are as authentic as you can get - it's just a shame about the temperature.

A gang of girls visited this restaurant with me one Friday night, expecting a rowdy night of Greek dancing and plate smashing. We were somewhat disappointed to find that only takes place on Monday evenings, but the delicious food and friendly service more than made up for it.

On entering the cosy little restaurant, we were taken straight to our table and given menus. There is a little area to sit and enjoy a drink before hand, but as we were running late we decided to go straight through.

We had booked a couple of days before - and taking a look around at the limited number of tables that were all full, it seems the advisable thing to do.

We were given around 15 minutes to look through the extensive choice - and still couldn't fully make up our minds.

We made our choices and the owner came to take our order. At first I plumped for Kimas Me Makaronia - pasta with mince, tomato and cheese, but was abruptly told I was in a Greek establishment not Italian and should try something more traditional. I then went for Bourekia Me kima - filo pastry roles filled with mince with honey and orange. These were tasty but unusual, and I think I'd probably would have enjoyed the pasta better.

My friend Jill decided on the Fetta Sagnaki - Fetta cheese fried in egg and flour and Joanne went for Ftera Kotopoulou - charcoal cooked chicken wings marinated in yogurt, tomato puree, tarragon and garlic. These were delicious. I know I tried one.

There is a choice of more than 40 starters on the menu, priced between £2.90 and £5.90, so there should be something to suit everyone. They are broken down into cheese, seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes - making the menu slightly easier to plough through.

The wait between courses was quite lengthy, but as we were expecting great things, and the attentive waitress made sure we were always topped up with drinks, we didn't mind too much.

When the main course arrived, the massive portions overwhelmed at first. Both Joanne and I had ordered the Sofrido from Horwich - fillet steak with wine, onions, garlic and a cream sauce. This came with chips, which was more than enough, but vegetables are available for an extra £1.90. Priced at £11.90, this was the most expensive item on the menu, but well worth the money. It was delicious, but neither of us could finish the huge portions.

Jill chose Chicken Athena - grilled chicken breast in a light wine sauce served with rice at £7.90 which she also said was very tasty.

Content and well stuffed from our main courses, we decided to go without sweets, but for those who can't resist there was a well-packed sweet trolley with a number of gateaux and cakes that looked very tempting.

The total bill, including two rounds of drinks came to £54.50. This did seem a little pricey for three people considering what we had, but for a delicious meal and more than friendly service it was well worth it.

Access to the restaurant proved a little difficult with the closure of Winter Hey Lane at one end. The best way to go is probably via Chorley New Road. Parking in the street at the side seems more than ample.

The restaurant, even though a little cramped, is all on level ground, so wheelchair access is possible, but it would be advisable to check beforehand because of the space inside. A children's menu is available on request.

As perhaps a younger member of the eating out market, if I were to go to Sokrates again I think I should try the more lively themed night on a Monday. But, on the right occasion as we proved, Sokrates is more than adequate for a quiet evening out.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.