Now that the cooler weather is upon us, and many of the beach bars will be closing for a Winter break, there is no better meal at the weekend than a traditional Sunday Roast with all the trimmings. Last Sunday I was lucky enough to join some family and friends who are already regulars at La Esquina Bar in central Marbella – better known by the local ex-pat community as the Corner Bar.

Situated just behind the park next to the Cafeteria Marbella and 50 metres from the underground car park beneath the Avenida del Mar (the paseo leading down to the sea with the Dali statues), this bar/restaurant enjoys a fabulous central location.

On arrival at the Corner Bar we were greeted like old friends and given a choice of eating in the cosy restaurant area or on the attractive terrace. As the weather was unpredictable, we decided to sit inside near the bar (always a favourite where my family are concerned). We then ordered drinks while waiting for the rest of the party and browsed through the superb Sunday menu.

Mary and her staff run the front of house in an efficient and very friendly manner, and Clive does a sterling job in the kitchen. The first thing that struck me was the warm welcome we received and the excellent service which followed.

The set menu, displayed on a blackboard at the table is priced at €10 for a main course only or €15 for two courses - offering great value for money and a fabulous choice of dishes.

Starters included Home Made Carrot and Coriander Soup, Home Made Pate and Toast, Prawn Cocktail, Melon and Serrano Ham and Gazpacho to name but a few, and the main courses included Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Pork with Apple Sauce, Home Made Chicken and Ham Pie, Steak and Kidney Pudding, and even Fresh Tuna and Swordfish for the fish lovers.

We decided to skip the starters – and hopefully save some room for desserts - ordering the beef, the lamb, the pork and home made chicken and ham pie – all of which were superb. The meat melted in the mouth and the fresh vegetables which accompanied the main courses were steaming hot and beautifully presented. The roast potatoes were crisp, the mash creamy and the super size Yorkshire puddings were out of this world. All the accompaniments were offered including horseradish and mint sauce and we took full advantage of the fabulous House Red to accompany the meal.

After a welcome 20 minute break before desserts, we were told that the choices were Home Made Apple Pie, Fresh Raspberry Sundae, Warm Chocolate Fudge Cake or Home Made Bread and Butter Pudding. My nephew plumped for the fudge cake and cream and the rest of us shared a bread and butter pudding with ice cream and an apple pie with custard.

Everything was absolutely delicious – the bread and butter pudding with whole plump raisins and apricots was probably the best I have ever tasted.

What makes this restaurant special is the friendly service, the excellent and plentiful food and the incredible value for money. This place is a gem – and, in my mind, the best Roast on the Coast.