Superquinn loose green olives /2.99/230g Plump and juicy, they contain their stones, which helps retain their juiciness. Their flesh is soft and yielding, they taste pleasant and the brine isn't overly salty.

Satisfactory.

***

Giovanni di Firenze garlic olives /4.19/150g These pitted olives are scattered with slices of raw garlic and dried parsley flakes. Firm and meaty, they taste very acidic which dulls the anticipated Mediterranean sensation.

**

Don Carlos stuffed Spanish olives /2.32/340g Stuffed with mild pimento paste, these small olives are firm and unexciting. Packed in sea-salted water they're awfully salty and acidic. Best saved for cooking purposes . . .but rinse first.

**

Marks & Spencer Greek olives stuffed with feta /4.50/320g

Large, fat and juicy, these wonderfully fruity olives have a mild yet distinctive flavour.

They're buttery and smooth and the creamy feta filling is delicious.

Break these out with the drinks.

*****