THE sign of a good restaurant is one which makes the absolute most of the surroundings on offer.

Tucked away on a quiet street just yards from the busy smelly Camberwell Green, one would expect a squatty claustrophobic, possibly noisy experience.

But once safely through the doors of Camberwell Grove's Vineyard it's easy to feel like you have escaped into the comparable bliss of the south Mediterranean.

With relaxing Greek music and surrounded by leaves and peaceful shots of Rhodes and Corfu it feels like the evening sun is gently massaging your shoulders after a hard day at the office.

And thankfully, as the atmosphere drains the stresses of the day away, one can enjoy food which is just as good as the setting.

A starter of olives, homous, tzatziki, beetroot, pitta bread, sour cream, prawns and tuna wetted the appetite beautifully.

This was followed by a fantastically cooked king prawn, sensitively grilled halloumi and ham along with octopus, calamari and stuffed vine leaves.

But the best was saved for last. Many a Greek restaurant will serve up a perfectly-cooked meal which, although delicious, prompts you to stick on some toast when you get home.

However, The Vineyard ensures everyone goes home with a full stomach and tucks into bed craving a fortnight in the sun rather than a second meal.

Large lamb and chicken kebabs are served up with a healthy-sized greek salad drizzled in oil and lemon juice.

And all of this can be topped off with a generously priced bottle of house white wine.

A three-course Meze meal costs £15 per person. A bottle of house wine costs £9.50.

The Vineyard Restaurant, 3 Camberwell Grove, SE5 8HA.

Call 020 7703 2131, visit vineyardgreekrestaurant.co.uk or email bookings@vineyardgreekrestaurant.co.uk