WITH golf fans everywhere - from all over the world - milling around the city and discussing Tiger Woods, it was time to go for the local and low-key option.

I am one of those people who has an enjoyment of the sport but there are far more pressing matters during the summer months - England cricket player's injuries mainly, or the state of Liverpool FC's new away strip.

But enough of such anti-golf heresy, for last weekend my partner and I wanted to get as far away from such things as possible.

Mercifully, escape was easy when you live a brief stroll away from Allerton Road and sanctuary is far from a golf ball whack away.

It was time then to go to Vinci's, a low-key place which from the outside looks like a tiny bar but upstairs holds plenty. It comprises a small bar at the bottom with a cosy restaurant area upstairs.

The general feel is all a bit rustic, with big wooden tables and candles to give it an intimate feel. Indeed, coupled with the pictures on the walls, it makes this a little homely.

The food itself has a café pizzeria feel. It is simple and clearly labelled rather than jumping down the unfathomable terms route which is enjoyed by some other restaurants. For example, for starters, I went for prawns which was simply labelled "prawns + garlic + chilli". There is no chance of arguing that you didn't get what you ordered there.

Served with a salad, the prawns were not overpowered with the flavouring.

My partner went for the calamari, which, to be fair, I was a bit jealous of. I have eaten in Vinci's before and always remember it being excellent with plenty on your plate, a point with which she agreed. She said that the calamari was very fresh and, despite the heat in the restaurant, it was actually very refreshing. The wine list was pretty standard, although it was reasonably priced.