Reviewers tuck into Grainger grub range

HERE IS PART TWO OF OUR GRAINGER MARKET REVIEW SERIES

FEZ FOOD

This is possibly one of the most beautifully decorated spots in the market, and sitting among the bright tablecloths, wall hangings and gorgeous jewelled lamps is a lovely way to escape the everyday.

For £7.50 I enjoy a falafel and halloumi wrap with hummous, which does what it says on the tin – fresh salad, crisp, well-flavoured falafel and small strips of soft, salty cheese.

You get a generous portion of the hummous and, should you have a bit more time or money, you can enjoy a full meze platter here, with a wide variety of Middle Eastern dips and dishes. Find it at: Fez Food, Alley 4, unit 150-151 In four words: Fresh, flavourful, atmospheric, enjoyable

Taste: 7/10 Value for money: 8/10 Overall: 7/10 Hannah Graham

FELAFEL AL HANA

The Bake restaurant chain’s stall offers a variety of Lebanese-inspired wraps and platters. There is space to sit in, which is handy if you choose the chef’s choice of vegetarian meze or mixed grills.

For a quick lunch, a wrap is ideal. I went for a grilled shish lamb wrap, which comes with chips for £4.50. Falafel, halloumi and chicken wraps are available too.

They didn’t hold back on the lamb, with plenty of chunky cubes inside the wrap, which was dressed nicely with garlic sauce, pickles and tomato. For £4.50 it’s a good deal, and I certainly didn’t feel hungry until past teatime. Find it at: Felafel Al Hana, Alley 1, unit 16-18 In four words: Fast, filling, friendly, flavourful Taste: 7/10 Value for money: 8/10 Overall: 7/10 Simon Meechan

FRENCH OVEN

The large sandwiches, paninis and pasties beckoned – never mind the cakes! – but I went for one of the French Oven’s large range of pies.

The Northumbrian classic of pan haggerty was being served in a pie (£1.85) and its delicate, thin crust was perfect for the filling of creamy mash, cheese and onion. The vegetarian cheese was not rich enough for my taste, however, and more onion would be welcome. Best hot.

I followed up with a tempting coconut and raspberry slice (£1.25). Prettily toasted chewy coconut topped a crisp pastry crust sandwiched together with sweet raspberry jam. Very sweet overall. In four words: Large, pastry-perfect, bland Find it at: French Oven, The arcade, unit 27 Taste: 6/10 Value for money: 9/10 Overall: 7/10 Lesley Oldfield

GRAINGER DELICATESSEN

Tucked away in the corner of the market, this reasonably priced deli specialises in cooked meat – but its sandwich menu is as long as your arm.

It’s hard to get a toasted sandwich

wrong, and their £2.79 spicy meat ciabatta, loaded with chicken, salami, cheese and my choice of sauce, ticked the box – although it loses points for not being spicy.

Good ingredients are a given when you’re buying from a delicatessen, and their sub-£3 price tag is as good as you’ll find on your lunch break. Find it at: Grainger Delicatessen, Alley 1, unit 23-70

In four words: Cheap, simple, value and convenient Taste: 5/10 Value for money: 6/10 Overall: 5/10

Ed Syers

LA CASA

Looking like it has been transported straight from a street corner in Spain, this deli and tapas bar’s outside tables always seem full of customers enjoying a glass of red wine and paella.

I’m not sure if they’re often asked for takeaways but the lady who served me was very obliging, suggesting additions to the last piece of tortilla she had left mid-afternoon.

I picked Manchego cheese and Serrano ham and back in the office found generous amounts of both on top of a hefty chunk of classic Spanish omelette (£4) plus two little tubs of Aioli dip. I enjoyed the omelette and thick cheese slice but was defeated by the ham which, while full of salty flavour, I found too chewy to swallow. Find it at: La Casa, Alley 1, unit 39-41 In four words: Authentic, generous, moreish, filling

Taste: 8/10

Value for money: 8/10 Overall: 8/10 Barbara Hodgson

LA PETITE CREPERIE

Few places can guarantee satisfaction in quite the same way as the Petite Creperie. It may be a simple snack, but they seem to get their crepes right every time. My latest visit was no different. My choice of Nutella crepe was a safe bet, not too flashy and middle of the range when it comes to the price, at £3. It leaves you satisfied and, in a good way, not wanting another one. It hit the spot.

Perhaps what draws me to La Petite Creperie is its authenticity. Watching a friendly Frenchman making crepes in a market all feels very European, doesn’t it? Find it at: La Petite Creperie, Alley 4, unit 166 In four words: Quick, friendly, indulgent and authentic

Taste: 8/10 Value for money: 6/10 Overall: 8/10

Ed Syers

MEAT: STACK

Sometimes, only a burger will do. When that’s the case, you better make it a good one.

Meat:Stack’s burgers are top-drawer. They offer a range of premium patties, smashed, grilled and steamed in front of you. The adventurous can choose toppings like garlic butter, blue cheese whip and maple syrup, but traditionalists are catered for too. I selected a quarter-pounder with bacon. The beef is juicy, the bun keeps it together and the toppings add to, rather than ruin, the beef.

Meat:Stack is a tad more expensive than your standard Grainger meal but it’s definitely worth it for a treat. I wouldn’t eat there every day, but if you would, I envy you.

My quarter-pounder, chips and refill Irn Bru came to £8.50. Find it at: Meat:Stack, Alley 2, unit 87-88 In four words: Juicy, rewarding, treat, variety Taste: 10/10 Value for money: 8/10 Overall: 9/10 Simon Meechan DON’T MISS PART THREE OF OUR REVIEWS IN TOMORROW’S CHRONICLE