Is this the city's best value deli meal deal?

IT was about 1.30pm by the time I made it to Nottingham's newest sandwich shop so I was expecting the lunchtime rush to be over.

- LYNETTE PINCHESS

But still hungry workers kept coming.... and coming to 81 Deli. I was instantly greeted and asked if I was aware of the £5 meal deal.

I certainly was because I'd reported on the opening just three weeks before and ever since then it's been high on my list for a return visit.

Nottingham's lunch-time offering is definitely on the up.

For those looking for an alternative to mass-produced factory sarnies we have the likes of Rotari Bakes, Ugly Bread Bakery and The Bagel Project serving something fresh and local.

Obviously it's going to cost more, but if the quality is there it's worth it.

81 Deli, in Carrington Street, sells gourmet baguettes, ciabattas and focaccia as well as giant Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, pizza pockets and salads.

It's been a long time opening - the signs teased us for months before the doors eventually opened.

But good things come to those who wait. Since the launch, the opening offer of a sandwich, snack and drink for a fiver appears to be going down a storm, judging by the number of customers milling around when I visit.

By the time I arrive it's obvious they'd been busy as some of the display trays in the display cabinet are depleted.