Jessica Hopkins 

Observer Food Monthly Awards 2012 Best Cheap Eats: runners up

Cafes, canteens and tapas bars – your choices from around the UK
  
  

Pitt Cue co, Soho, London
Pitt Cue co, Soho, London. Photograph: Katherine Rose the Observer Food Monthly Photograph: Katherine Rose/the Observer Food Monthly

LONDON

Pitt Cue Co
No reservations because it's so small, which means queues – but don't even think about not waiting. Go for the pulled pork tray and whiskey sours.
1 Newburgh Street,W1F 7RB; pittcue.co.uk

Koya
Last year's winner made its name with classic udon dishes. But it's the superb daily specials and small plates that make it more than just a noodle bar. Plenty for non-noodle fans, too.
49 Frith Street, W1D 4SG, koya.co.uk

Honest Burgers
Great, fuss-free burgers. Beef, chicken or veggie fritter – emphasising a few high quality options, as well as great sides such as the house chips and slaw, has made them a winner.
Branches in Brixton and Soho, honestburgers.co.uk

SOUTH & WEST

Fisherton Mill
Perfect for afternoon tea after a visit to the gallery or working studios. Try the smoked mackerel pate or scones with damson jam.
108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7QY; 01722 500 200, fishertonmill.co.uk

Thali Cafe
A perennial favourite thanks to its simple but delicious take on Indian street food. Try the masala dosa for weekend brunch.
Branches across Bristol in Clifton, Easton, Montpelier and Totterdown, thethalicafe.co.uk

MIDLANDS

Tamatanga
Urban Indian canteen with a lively atmosphere to accompany the quick service and exceptionally good value and very tasty Indian food.
The Cornerhouse, Trinity Square, Nottingham, NG1 4DB, 0115 958 4848, tamatanga.com

Homemade
Delightful cafe where everything is prepared fresh on site from suppliers that are mostly just round the corner. A proper local gem.
20 Pelham Street, Nottingham, NG1 2EG; 0115 924 3030, homemadecafe.com

EAST

Lucca Enoteca
Friendly Italian restaurant serving authentic wood-fired pizza, as well as wood-fired roasts at the weekend.
9-43 High Street, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1AH; 01206 390 044, luccafoods.co.uk

NORTH

Bar San Juan
This eccentric little bar wouldn't be out of place in a Spanish backstreet. Be prepared to wait – it's busy for a reason.
56 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9EQ, 0161 8619558

The Settle Down
Popular cafe with a slight Italian feel. Great breakfast options and a fully licensed bar for later in the day.
62 Thornton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AW; 0191 222 0187, thesettledown.com

WALES

Milgi Lounge
Along with the art and music, their delicious 100% vegetarian dishes are all part of Milgi's charm that continues to delight OFM readers.
213 City Road, Cardiff, CF24 3JD, 029 2047 3150, milgilounge.com

Ultracomida
Spanish deli with a restaurant that serves excellent tapas. Ingredients are sourced and imported from artisan producers in Spain.
Restaurants in Aberystwyth and Narberth; ultracomida.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Eat Cafe
Fantastic brunch, lunch and dinner options with a special emphasis on Scottish produce from the team behind Eat Deli in Clarkston.
69 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 3YR; 0141 649 6705, eat-deli.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND

Daily Grind
Friendly cafe with excellent value lunches. Worth a visit for the banoffee pie alone.
20a St Patrick's Ave, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 6DW; 028 4461 7173

 

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