24 years, so they've got it down to a fine art. The food isn't fancy but it's tasty and made using ingredients bought from local markets and local butchers, with the pasta brought in from a continental store. Portions are well sized and, a key factor, everything is astoundingly reasonably priced. We started with delicious and wholesome bowls of vegetable soup for just £3 each, served with fluffy white bread. Follow this with their whoppingly meaty Bolognese or their herby spinach and ricotta lasagne (£5 each for very large portion); you won't be out of pocket and you won't need to eat again for a week.

  If you and your dinner guest run out of conversation there's plenty to amuse you on the surrounding walls and ceiling. Raffaele has a thing about clowns; inspired by his favourite opera ('Clowns' by Leoncavallo) he gave the restaurant its name and ran a popular clown-themed art competition for several years, the vibrant fruits of which decorate the restaurant's every nook and cranny.

  Connoisseurs of Italian food may favour Tuesday and Thursday nights - Spaghetti Nights! - when from 5pm - 10pm Raffaele's gorgeous daughter Genni personally oversees the preparation of fresh al-dente pasta, and dishes of Ragu, Pomodoro, and Vesuvio. Winter also sees some live bands serenading diners. But any time of year is good for Clowns' tiramisu - don't miss out.