IT’S good to see that the credit crunch hasn’t hit every business in town.

Midweek in Oswaldtwistle and, thankfully, Franco’s was reassuringly buzzing with customers.

Three of us met up for a girly catch-up over pizza and pasta, and the cheap and cheerful Italian fitted the bill perfectly.

Two of us had pizzas cooked in the roaring open wood-burning oven visible from the main seating area.

The Al Salame pizza was tasty with plenty of pepperoni and a generous portion of cheese. The only challenge was finishing it.

The other pizza, topped with ham, olives, peppers, and an egg, was also declared a success, and the third of our party enjoyed her meat-filled tortellini in a creamy tomato sauce.

But, as half of Oswaldtwistle knows (they seem to congregate there every weekend), going to Franco’s isn’t really about fine dining — it’s all about the bustling atmosphere and friendly service.

The best thing about the restaurant is the unique murals that cover the walls.

Created by a local artist the paintings are apparently of typical scenes in Italy with representations of the owner and Franco’s regulars.

Minor criticisms were that the colas had to be sent back because the syrup had run out, making them taste watery.

One of our party also had to ask for her pizza to be put under the grill as her egg was under-cooked for her liking.

But both of these things were rectified quickly and politely.

At a shade of £30 for three main courses, garlic bread, five colas and a dessert, it was good value.

Long may Franco’s roaring success continue.

The verdict

It’s all about the bustling atmosphere and friendly service.

Lancashire Telegraph review by Caroline Dutton from December 8, 2008.