It’s also the time when, armed with shopping bags and sapped of energy, you need a fast refreshment fix to beat the chill and fatigue.

And so, judging by the number of people heading in and out of Jenny’s Grill, this town centre cafe presents a popular solution.

For last Wednesday lunchtime, when a colleague and I called in to the Central Avenue restaurant, we just managed to grab a table.

Jenny’s is one of those places that you know what to expect when you go in, no frills, value for money food, served in pleasant enough sorroundings.

But having said that, it did offer one big surprise when we sat down and looked at the menu – and that was the sheer number of choices on offer. From those wanting a quick snack to others fancying a more substantial three-course meal, Jenny’s can provide it.

For a lighter bite there’s a range of hot and cold sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes, omelettes and salads.

While for those wanting a main meal, I counted six chicken dishes, six fish dishes, pies, roasts and pasta, not to mention the variety of breakfasts, burgers and grills for which Jenny’s specialises. Among the selection of steaks, for example, is the New York sirloin steak with bacon, egg, peas and mushrooms at the reasonable price of £7.

Indeed, if you want to literally make a meal of it, there are also starters, including avocado with prawns, garlic mushrooms, and smoked salmon on the menu.

Service at Jenny’s is also efficient. After we had found a table, it wasn’t long before our order was taken. From the breakfast menu I chose the brunch breakfast – two eggs, bacon, two sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms (priced at £4), while my colleague went for the quarter pounder burger with cheese and egg, chips and salad (also £4).

Again, it wasn’t long before our meals arrived. My breakfast (despite not being accompanied with toast) was well cooked, the eggs runny, the bacon crispy and the mushrooms nicely soft. The plate was also warm so the food stayed hot - an essential requirement, particularly at this time of year.

My colleague’s burger was accompanied with a decent sized portion of chips. The burger arrived with not only the cheese and egg, but also the salad inside - not the easiest thing to eat!

Despite not having the room, or the time, for dessert, once again Jenny’s offered a good selection.

This included apple and cherry pie, lemon meringue pie, pancakes, banana long boat, knickerbocker glory, and strawberry, chocolate or cherry ice cream cocktail.

With a total bill of less than £10, including a regular coffee and cappuccino, Jenny’s offers decent enough cafe food at a reasonable price, and is a convenient spot for refreshment after shopping, whether it’s Christmas or not.



by Angus Henderson

Star rating HHH