After a bit of a trek around the hospital we finally found the restaurant up the stairs from the children's ward.

Our first thoughts were that it was more like a school canteen with its wooden tables and chairs and serving counter, but on ordering our meals from a small menu, we were pleasantly surprised when we got to the till and found out how inexpensive the prices were: £6.50 for chicken and mushroom pie with sauté potatoes, pork cutlet with sauté potatoes and two drinks from the chilled cabinet – you can't get better than that.

We would have liked hot drinks but it wasn't until we were leaving we found the hot drinks machine hidden around the corner.

Most of the people there were hospital staff, who get reduced prices in the restaurant. The patients also get a choice of that day's menu so Helen also had the pie and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Other items served that day were liver and onions, chicken and leek pasta bake, cheese and tomato quiche and Cornish pasties, all served with either mash or sauté potatoes and vegetables.

Soup, light snacks and assorted sandwiches are also served along with various desserts, with and without custard. On the day we were there they closed promptly at 2pm so when we went back for a dessert which that day was Bakewell tart with custard, unfortunately they had all been cleared away.

The staff were very busy when we were there, and the place was kept very clean and tidy. Overall for a cheap meal a definite must although, on our visit, the staff service could have been better.

The restaurant is open to staff, patients and hospital visitors.

Overall opinion **1/2

Value for money ****