Acanthus

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses: £4.50

• High point: Charming service
• Low point: Limited seating at busy times
• Food served: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Closed Sat/Sun
• Open since: 2003
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu), Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Run by two sisters who also operate a florist from these premises, Acanthus has calming, cornflower blue walls and a homely atmosphere. A small seating area is successfully partitioned from the takeaway counter to form a tranquil space with a view of Argyle street's passing traffic. Doing their bit to support local business, they also display prints by local artists, hand-made cards and jewellery for sale. As well as a choice of soups and hot rolls, the made-to-order sandwich selection is constituted mainly by old favourites, and can be served on a choice of speciality breads. Tuna combinations, a selection of cold meats and some good vegetarian options (hummus, mozzarella and peppers) feature. A ciabatta pocket filled with pesto-smothered chicken chunks is completed by a soft crunch of fresh rocket. Portions are big and prices are reasonable. A colourful side salad is simply presented with vegetables so fresh and crisp they barely need an accompanying dressing. From the luxury cakes selection, a generous slice of carrot cake is dark, moist and subtly spiced, with a soft butter-cream frosting adding an extra layer of indulgence.