Bites

#The sun has got his hat on, hip, hip, hip hooray/the sun has got his hat on and he’s coming out today#

Exterior

As I merrily tripped down the road, bathed in sunshine, I sang this happy little refrain to myself. It has subsequently found its way on to my earworm playlist, so I’ve been periodically reprising it, all afternoon.

I wasn’t walking to any location in particular, today. I was simply aiming for the first sandwich shop that took my fancy. The promise of Indian potato and spinach soup in the window of Bites on Elm Row took my fancy in no uncertain terms, so I swiftly ducked in to the neat little shop.

Their deli counter continued the neat and little theme, as a number of their sandwich fillings were presented in incredibly dainty little slices. I must admit that I had a momentary quiver that this daintiness may be reflected in their portion sizes, a fear that I’m happy to report proved groundless.

My potato and spinach soup having been ordered, I chose to match this with a ham, egg mayo and salad roll. The roll was of the long, multi-seeded variety and felt nice and fresh as I handed it over to the charming counter lady. With considerable alacrity, the roll was generously filled, and I was soon on my way back to the office.

Soup

Once there, I gave the soup a quick temperature check, and finding it both piping hot and loaded with potatoes, I turned my attention to the roll.

It looked really good and tasted even better. The egg mayo was nicely seasoned and the salad was noteworthy for its crisp freshness. I quite often choose this filling combination, not only because I rather enjoy the taste, but also as I think it’s a good “test” sandwich by which you can judge a place. The one I was served in Bites has solid claims on being the best I’ve tasted.

The soup had a light chilli heat and a well-judged amount of aromatic flavour going on, but was essentially a good hearty potato soup, crammed with loads of lovely soft tatties. It was probably better suited to a less sun-drenched day, but it was entirely satisfying, nevertheless.

Sandwich

So overall, I was really pleased to have stumbled upon such a good little place as Bites proved to be. At £4.10 for soup and roll, it’s towards the cheaper end of the market, but much like nearby Chequers and Crolla’s, they have their low cost-high quality value proposition working very nicely. I’d be glad to pay it another visit, and hope to do so, soon.

Scores
Blythe scores Bites:
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for service
3/5 for setting
giving an overall 14/20

Today’s questers was: Blythe

I ate: Indian potato and spinach soup; egg and ham salad roll

I drank: nowt

I wore: purple tie

Total bill: £4.10