Jessica's, Cannock

What was it about Market Hall Street that was such a magnet for shoppers?

There seemed to be an almost hypnotic power drawing people to this unassuming alleyway off Church Street.

In a world where everyone is constantly on the go and the lunch break quickly disappears without a trace, it helps to know the nooks and crannies of a town for where to go and pick up a quick but nutritious bite to eat.

Tucked out of the way of the main drag in Cannock, Jessica's Fresh Foods does not look anything out of the ordinary, but this hidden gem seems to be an open secret for the residents of the town.

Just past St Luke's Church, a constant stream of shoppers would disappear up this secluded walkway, and it soon became apparent they were returning with food in their hands. Despite being a little out of the way, it is full of the hustle and bustle, with people of all ages and from all walks of life flocking in its direction.

From pensioners to teenagers, from students through to suited-and-booted businessmen, hunger seemed to be the only common factor among the people heading in its direction. Not only is it a place to nip in for lunch, outside, lining an alley wall, is a wide range of garden and house plants for sale as well as stone ornaments such as crosses and toadstools.

Looking to the front of the shop, set back under the bottle-green canopy is a wide selection of fresh fruit to purchase, inviting the hungry shoppers inside.

Going across the white doorframe threshold and into the shop, to the right is even more fresh produce with vegetables ranging from the staple potatoes, beans and carrots through to aubergines and dates, just to get the tastebuds going.

To left is the fresh food counter and while the fare on offer is limited to cold food, it is all fresh and made right in front of your eyes.

Spoilt for choice, I was in a dilemma as to what to choose - sandwiches on white and brown bread, baguettes or cobs as well as salad bowls and even then, what fillings to pick, from chicken tikka, chicken and bacon, tomatoes, onions and lettuce.

I plumped for the bacon and chicken filled sandwich on white bread, grabbed a packet of crisps and a can of cola which came to £2.23, a bargain compared with the prices paid at some better-known national chains.

For those in a hurry, a chiller stretching across the left hand side of the shop offers a set of sandwiches, cobs and salad bowls made earlier that morning for people pick up and pay for.

For a great bite while on the move or a place to save the precious lunch hour by picking up the groceries while grabbing a quick snack then Jessica's is the perfect place, with friendly, helpful staff making it a pleasant experience.

by Dawn Fellowes