A lone Tex-Mex on the Blackheath pampas.

The Venue
A tri-pronged cartoon cactus on an energetic white sign heralds the Cactus Pit to be both Mexican and exuberant. Set in a wonky red terrace on that part of Royal Parade overlooking the heath, you can watch all manner of plastic entertainment (kites, Frisbees, footballs) zip around from the safety of the Pit’s window seating.

The Atmosphere
Faded painted woodwork, motley panelled windows and wall-strewn memoirs of Mexican life underpin a relaxed and engaging vibe; something in-between a Barcelona bistro and an Americas’ backpackers lodge. Children are genially welcomed and high chairs, a kids menu and Shirley Temples make this a good place for families.

The Food
Megadiverse Mexico has extensive flavours to play with – chillies, sour cream, limes, cocoa and still more chillies. Dodge dull nachos and try a starter of quesadillas, a baked tortilla with tomato, onion, chillies and cheese, sort of a Mexican crepe. Or a molten crab and cheese muffin dubbed a Florida Toasty. Available also are calefactory Jalapeño Poppers made of deep-fried bread-crumbed cheese-filled chillies.

Similar (yet separate) most Mexican mains derive from muscular ranching meats, river-wrenched seafood, yellow American melted cheese plus staples of rice and beans cunningly brought together with savoury seasonings like dried-fruity ancho chilli or pungent gas-reducing epazote. Neatly tucked into a tortilla, these archetypical ingredients mariachi together to form burrito (wrapped), enchilada (baked) and chimichanga (deep fried) delights. Fajitas made from heavily spiced and marinated meats, poultry, seafood or vegetables are similarly prepared minus the rice and beans. For the less thermophilic (or the cautious with ulcers), chilli con carne, barbeque ribs, burgers, steaks, fries and green salads sway the balance of the menu back from the pyrogenic. Most mains are about £10. For pudding, dairy-laden pastries such as cheesecake, banoffee pie, chocolate fudge cake and chocolate mousse prevail, along with the Mexican fried ice cream.

The Drink
Soft and hot beverages and a bargain wine menu are all on offer. In terms of cocktails, there’s an all-embracing libations list as well as unbecomingly titled shots along with Margaritas and sangria.

The Last Word
A family friendly Tex-Mex restaurant that’s ideal for chilli fans.

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