NEVER has a family been fed so well for such a reasonable price, I declared, while wrapping up a piece of chocolate brownie in a serviette to take away.

Our bill had was not much more than we would have paid for a fast food lunch – but the difference in quality was significant.

That’s not to say we aren’t partial to the odd guilty burger-based treat every now and then. But we had decided to drop into a more characterful eatery for our lunchtime visit.

The plan was to bulk up before a bracing walk along Grange promenade so the children could try out their new roller skates.

Our snap decision to call into Thyme Out in Main Street proved to be an inspired one.

The staff were friendly as could be and efficient to boot. There was an extensive selection of food on the menu from light bites to proper meals, while the drinks list had everything on it from mocha to merlot.


GREAT VALUE: The kids lunchbag at Thyme Out in Grange Our children each ordered a lunch box which was delivered in a striped (good-quality) paper bag and contained a sandwich, packet of crisps, homemade biscuit and frozen yoghurt. It came with a quirky jam jar-style glass which had a lid firmly screwed on and a straw poking out. Good move – they had clearly suffered a spillage or two over the years.

Meanwhile my wife and I ordered afternoon tea for two – an absolute snip at just £12.50. We have paid more than double this for just one such meal in the last 12 months, so I wondered if quality might have been compromised by the low price.
WARMING: A marshmallow-topped hot chocolate

My fears were allayed when a beautiful two-tiered stand was delivered carrying the freshest of sandwiches and a beautiful selection of cakes. We ordered a hot chocolate and latte which came as part of the deal; super value – for a delicious selection of food.

With appetites more than satisfied and mother nature whipping up a near-gale, we set out for the prom to test the new wheels.

The run-out was as successful as our lunch, which made our day complete.

We shall return.