Is this the city's poshest sausage sarnie?

LET'S talk about bread. Nottingham is famous for the cob. Not a roll, bap, barm, teacake or any other regional variation.

- LYNETTE PINCHESS

The COB is alive and well in takeaways like the Crusty Cob in Castle Boulevard and Peckish in Wollaton Street.

The Dragon, in Long Row, sells a first-class cheese and onion cob from Hambleton Bakery.

But lunchtimes have become a lot more adventurous and imaginative in our cosmopolitan city. And I'm not just referring to baguettes and wraps.

Bánh mì, stuffed croissants, ciabattas bursting at the seams with Italian meats and bagels have been adding pizzazz and and now Japanese-style sandos and focaccia-filled sarnies are the latest trend.

Wanting to treat my mate to a belated birthday lunch, we met up for a fancy focaccia at a newish venue from the same team behind city tequila haunt 400 Rabbits and Farnsfield's Le Petit Vert cafe and bistro.

Loose Ends opened in May for drinks but has only just introduced sandwiches.

The orange-fronted property has joined the ranks of The Castle, Fothergills and The (no longer Crafty) Crow overlooking the gatehouse of Nottingham Castle.

The sun was beaming, so we sat outside in Friar Lane but, within the few minutes it took to order, raindrops appeared.

We headed to the first floor, where the orange-coloured decor emanates a warm glow, come rain or shine.

“Cheers-ing” we clinked glasses, Merlot for my friend, me with a mocktail.