TUCKED away behind a busy shopping street shoppers can sample a taste of the Mediterranean.

Paris Café Bar promises fresh food with a hint of the French capital city and it certainly delivers.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unassuming. The menu is simple but the dishes are delicious.

Customers tucked into their all-day full English breakfast and many seemed to enjoy their salads, packed full of tasty ingredients, and hearty burgers which are among some of the offerings of the menu.

The mezze platter, filled with tangy olives, flavoursome homemade dips and warm, fresh bread was the perfect starter and would work well as a light lunch or snack.

The piece de resistance for me was the pollo fiorentina, a main meal with delicious dauphinoise potatoes for £8.75. The chicken breast was rubbed in garlic and topped with a delicious mix of spinach and a ricotta-like cheese. It was mouth watering and a completely original dish which I will be coming back for again.

It was just one of the main meals, alongside lasagne, fish cakes, stews, and other chicken dishes the café serves throughout the day and in the evening.

Nothing was too much trouble for our friendly waiter who was helpful and attentive. There was a wide range of drinks to and I opted for the freshly squeezed orange juice which was sweet and incredibly refreshing.

I can imagine it is a popular haunt for students, who are given a 20% discount, but it also seemed a regular watering hole for families and friends catching up for a glass of wine. A few turned up to relax with a beer and watch the rugby while I was there – it was the perfect location but the match did not intrude on those wanting to enjoy a quiet meal either.

It is also ideal for those shopping in the city centre and on London Road who want a moment to stop and rest with some good, home cooked, reasonably priced food away from the hustle and bustle.

Flora Thompson