Jannettas Gelateria, St Andrews

What is it? The St Andrews ice cream parlour is an institution among locals and students alike. A relatively recent renovation has resulted in a cool cafe and adjoining parlour styled with retro booths and ice cream pastels. The lunch menu offers soup, open and hot sandwiches, plus an amazing array of sundaes are also on offer.

First impressions? We visited on a busy Friday lunchtime and there was a friendly buzz in the cafe. All the tables inside were taken but staff were happy for us to take a high chair to one of the outside benches, which was the perfect spot for children (and their parents) to watch the world go by.

What did you have? Mum ordered the goat’s cheese, caramelised red onion chutney and sun-dried tomatoes open sandwich (£5.40), dad decided on the soup and sandwich combo (£5.50) and our son opted for the children’s ham sandwich. We couldn’t resist trying drinks from the old-style soda bar (£2.50 each) and finished by sharing a St Andrews sundae (£4.55) with an espresso for mum (£1.85).

Much of a wait? No, the drinks arrived very promptly and the food a few minutes later.

How was the food? Delicious – good quality and nice-sized portions. The chorizo soup was very tasty and came with a hot Italian pork sandwich. The little man was happy to share his generously-filled sandwich with his wee sister and mum’s open sandwich was wonderfully tasty with ample cheese, tomatoes and chutney served on greatquality bread. All the sandwich options can also be served as a salad and there is gluten free bread available. The coffee is fabulous.

Good for children? Excellent and the sundaes are an great incentive for eating up their lunch.

Good for the rest of the family? It’s great – perfect for an informal lunch and the fast, friendly service and wonderful surroundings make for a great eating experience. Would you go back? Yes, very definitely. Score: 5/5

Contact: Jannettas Gelateria, 31 South Street, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9QR. Tel: 01334 473285 www.jannettas.co.uk