Essy’s Restaurant

This not-​so greasy spoon’s claim to fame, aside from the fact that almost every House of Fraser staff member eats there at some point in any given week, is that one Kerry Katona and her littluns popped in here for a bacon bap a year or so back. Yes, this made Manchester Evening News’ diary page and everything.
Don’t let this put you off though (Katona’s patronage, that is… you know, in case she was snorting anything naughty in the toilets), as Essy’s is more upmarket than your average Full English café. British classics are the order of the day here, with omelettes, curry and chips, pies, ham and eggs, and you come out without smelling of the fat the chips are fried in. Nope, this is quality. Egg and chips with a cup of tea is a mere £3.50 which I must keep in mind next time my father flies over. (Egg and chips would probably be his last meal on earth, see.) I’m a big fan of the ultra cheap and hearty jacket potatoes, and the venue handily has a separate little shop for takeaways so you can grab and go without any fuss. A trip to Essy’s and you’ll come away with both a full stomach and full purse.

If you’re after a fast, no-​nonsense lunch that isn’t Subway or Boots meal deal but it also hot and filling, then you have to find Essy’s and pay a visit.
This place is always a bustle of activity at lunchtimes because it manages to be a sandwhich shop and restaurant serving great food all at the same time. They make sandwiches to go, but you can also choose from a range of jacket potatoes, omelettes, daily specials and even pies (yes, pies. Which you can have with gravy and everything. AMAZING).
So basically I really like Effy’s. Obviously, the food isn’t spectacular, but it’s basic, freshly made and isn’t full of grease. The last special I had was a coronation chicken baguette with a side order or chips. The baguette was delicious, and there were loads and loads of chips, which is always a good thing.
I got all of this, with a drink, for around £4. What a bargain.