This is an outstanding pub bistro that works well on every level, from fine food, to a cool, laid back and relaxed ambience to efficient and polite service, ample parking and clean toilets.

There are multiple dining areas, including the outdoor beer garden, which is ideal for spring, summer or early autumn. Plus there’s an indoor Spanish Garden restaurant which is probably the place I’d choose during winter. The Sun night that we dined, was a warm and balmy autumn evening, so it was ideal for alfresco-style beer garden dining.

This place is always busy, so it’s advisable to book ahead. And, as you would expect, the vibe is energetic, lively and fun. Everyone has a smile on their face here as it's the kind of bright, happy and upbeat place you'll enjoy spending a few hours at.

And you’ll know that you’re in capable hands from the moment you arrive at the front desk to claim your table. When we arrived, it was manned by two helpful, friendly and polite young staffers. For first timers to the B.C. Hotel, these guys will explain the drill to you and show you to your table. If you ask, they may even give you a relic from a past era: a paper MENU! Fancy that. But seriously, we didn't need one, as we are now quite familiar with app ordering and how to link our Monty’s Rewards card to the app, to get our reward points and the generous 5% discount off the bill.

Once you’ve ordered, it doesn't take long for the drinks and food to arrive. Despite the crowds, this place hums like a well oiled machine. These guys don’t miss a beat, and it’s all done with a professional demeanour and a nice smile. What a pleasure. The staff are a credit to the A.L.H. Group, to which this hotel belongs.

Prices are reasonable considering the Weimar Republic-style hyperinflationary crisis we’re now enduring. I had a schooner of my fave super crisp Great Northern Lager for only 7 pesos, a pot of VB for the same price and my wife had an aperol spritz for 15. For food we choose lamb sausages with peas and mash for 28 and a nachos plate for 17. Both dishes were nicely presented to the table on stylish crockery. Serving sizes were generous and they scored highly on taste, flavour and texture.

Of course, no restaurant, no matter how good, will get 5 stars from me unless they have those two vital ingredients that elevate them to that lofty height: i.e. ample, clean and well signposted toilets and easy parking. And on both these counts the B.C. did well. The toilets could probably be a bit better signposted, but they are clean and well provisioned, with ample male and female cubicles. There’s a huge parking area in front of the hotel and they sure need it. We arrived early to find it almost full, but luckily someone pulled out, giving a convenient spot right outside the hotel.

Altogether, a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable experience, for our first time at the B.C., and I’m sure it won’t be our last.