My 2013 New Year’s resolution has been to broaden my drinking horizons with a little exploration of whisky. Having indulged in perhaps one to many, the previous evening, I was requiring replenishing sustenance when lunchtime arrived, so I popped down to Easter Road to visit M1 Sandwich Shop and Deli.

Exterior

The place is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of savoury and sweet delights, with a lovely little cheese counter, baked good, cakey treats, and homemade preserves dotted about the place. It’s really very charming. There is one table, should you wish to linger over a cuppa and a snack, while you peruse their goods and chattels, but I was focussed on lunchtime takeaway goodness, today.

Prices looked remarkably reasonable, with soup for £1 and a selection of sandwich and paninis for around £2. I chose to match their soup of the day, which was roasted vegetable, with a chorizo, cheese and pesto panini, which the friendly counter woman told me was one of their most popular items.

Soup

I pulled up a chair and looked at their nice selection of cheeses, while the panini was toasted. Soon enough, I was on my way back to the office, sustenance in hand.

The soup proved to be a perfect winter restorative, so crammed with vegetable chunks it was practically a stew. The Pantry have a similar style of dish which they call “stoup”, a term I really rather like. This stoup was lovely, making me feel considerably better.

Cheese counter

The panini wasn’t quite so dazzling, but was still a decent effort, with a nice mix of flavours, dominated by basil-rich pesto. I was pleased with it.

So overall, M1 is a great wee place, offering excellent lunchtime value. I can see myself popping back, from time to time. Next time, I doubt I’ll be able to resist buying some of their excellent looking cheese, too. If you’re in the area, do pop in, as it’s a great place for a low-cost lunch.

Panini

Scores

Blythe scores M-1
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

Today’s quester was: Blythe

I ate: roasted vegetable soup; cheese, chorizo and pesto panini

I drank: nowt

I wore: tweed

Total bill: £3

M1 Sandwich Shop and Deli
Easter Road