WHILE most of the names that arrived in The Orchard Centre's expansion last year are staples of any shopping street, Berro Lounge is at least a little different.

Sitting opposite a Nando's and Costa Coffee, the restaurant, part of the growing Lounges chain, is somewhere I had been keen to try out for some time.

We visited for a late Sunday lunch and found only a few spare tables, mostly on the upstairs floor.

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The menu has a bit of everything, but offers a twist on your classic sandwiches, paninis, salads and burgers.

Unusual options like a Burrito wrap with pulled beef chilli and buttermilk fried chicken were pleasing to see and there are several vegan, gluten free and kids choices.

One downside was the near-20 minute wait between ordering at the bar and our food arriving, which was not helped by the kitchen being about ten feet away.

I went for the chicken, chorizo and prawn jambalaya (£10.95), which featured spicy cajun rice, roasted red peppers, wild rocket and charred lime.

Although the mountain of rocket on top was slight overkill, this was generally quite good, despite the price being a little steep.

The chicken was cooked beautifully and the flavours blended well, while the lack of prawns was a minor frustration.

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My friend pushed the boat out and looked at the tapas menu, which costs £3.95 each or £10.50 for three, with some ciabatta thrown in for good measure.

His first choice was the ultra-healthy supergreen bowl, consisting of tenderstem broccoli, avocado, rocket, edamame beans and beetroot hummus with toasted seeds.

The broccoli was crunchy but not undercooked, while the whole dish had a very earthy taste.

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It had a slight hint of sweetness from the beetroot hummus, plus a smattering of vinegar.

That was joined by smoked paprika pulled chicken, chorizo and black beans with fried potatoes.

The potatoes had a tinge of tomato, which partnered the crispy texture well.

The last dish was beef and pork meatballs in a spiced tomato sauce, his favourite of the three.

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Considering himself a meatball connoisseur, this received a thumbs up, with the tangy sauce a highlight.

Not content with all that, he added a side of macaroni cheese (£3.75), which was nothing special and lacked flavour.

We left reasonably satisfied with our meal at a place that would have been an enjoyable stop for a quick lunch without the long wait.

Berro Lounge, 44 Orchard Street, Orchard Shopping Centre, OX11 7LG