With its relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere, comfy couches and phenomenal value, Archibald Simpson’s was an obvious choice.

The extensive menu caters for all tastes and after much deliberation I opted for the medium spicy sweet potato, chick pea and spinach curry with rice, naan bread, poppadoms and chutney (£6.19).

I couldn’t believe my eyes when the huge plate arrived. The tangy sauce and tender sweet potato worked well together, while the mango chutney brought the poppadoms to life.

My only gripe was that the curry was mild on the spice front.

My friend opted for one of the value meals – bacon carbonara pasta with garlic bread (£3.99).

The generous amount of creamy sauce and al dente pasta made a tasty combination.

Her only quibble was that there was a lack of bacon and she would have happily paid more for a little extra.

Although my friend was stuffed, I opted for a Bramley apple, pear and raspberry crumble with custard (£2.99).

The ample chunks of fruit, topped with the sweet crumble made this dish a sugary delight.

With a bill of just £13.17, we had cash left for a bottle of wine and the week’s worries and stresses long disappeared.