ONE of the bonuses of the new market is most definitely the variety it has brought to the low cost food offerings for town centre workers and shoppers.

Local traders make a great alternative to the chain coffee houses.

But we did lose some old favourites in the move two years ago, including the popular Mr Spud’s baked potato van outside the old hall.

Good to report that I spotted some familiar faces behind one of the larger counters this week, and Mr Spud’s is back and still run by the same team.

The name doesn’t quite do their menu justice as they now offer hot and cold sandwiches as well as breakfast barms and ‘award-winning’ coffee.

On a truly miserable lunch break, spuds were the order of the day; one chilli and cheese, one tuna mix and cheese, plus a bacon and sausage barm, a latte and a mocha.

There was a bit of a wait while the coffees were made, with our spuds left cooling on the side although they were still plenty hot enough when we tucked in back at the office.

While the chilli is tasty, I’d like some kick, but the fillings were more than generous and our potatoes were perfectly soft on the inside with deliciously dark skins. And our coffees were easily a match for more upmarket choices nearby.

At £11.30 for the lot we were well fed for an afternoon back at the grindstone.