Coffee Uno, Brierley Hill

You don't expect to see mochas and macchiatos in Brierley Hill High Street.

If a bacon butty with double egg is your thing, you're spoiled for choice, but cosmopolitan coffee bars and chic cafes? Put it this way, it's not exactly St Tropez.

But there are exceptions to every rule, and while Coffee Uno offers all the traditional breakfast favourites, including bacon baps and tomato toasties, it has also decided to grab a slice of modern coffee, offering espressos at the double and plenty more choices besides.

Opening from 7.30am every day, the cafe is sure to pull in the breakfast crowds but it also offers the opportunity and right atmosphere to relax at any time of the day.

The leather sofa and chairs positively invite shoppers to stop off for a quick cuppa or a slice of cake - and with everything from jam doughnuts to toasted teacakes on the menu, there's a treat to tempt every taste bud. Mind you, when I stopped by for a lunchtime snack, the front door was actually locked.

A note directed me to the florist next door, an associated business, where I tracked down the owner who explained that a lack of space at Coffee Uno means some of his stocks are kept next door.

Business was clearly quiet when I called in so my cappuccino and brie and grape baguette were quick to arrive.

But I was more than happy to snuggle down in the leather two seater with a pile of the day's papers while I waited.

It made a welcome change from my usual lunchtime routine that involves dragging a hastily-made effort from the bottom of my handbag to eat at the desk.

The menu, some of which is chalked up on the board and some printed out and stuck to the tables, features everything you would expect from a typical cafe.

Cheese, ham, bacon and tuna are all on offer but Coffee Uno has clearly decided to go a step further and offer something a bit different.

The more unique options include the brie, grape and watercress baguette that I ordered, a coronation chicken sandwich with chopped apricots and a roasted vegetable panini. Their prices hover around the very reasonable £2 mark and my baguette was more than enough for a quick lunch and the complimentary chocolate on the side was a nice extra touch.

The coffee range is also extensive and again reasonably priced.

My total bill came to just £3.35 which was a small price to pay for an enjoyable half hour on a comfy sofa away from the cold October wind.

Coffee Uno even offers some outdoor seating for anyone brave enough to plonk themselves smack bang in the middle of bustling Brierley Hill High Street.

The service was prompt and friendly but the lack of other customers during my visit made me feel a little self-conscious.

The cafe is open from 7.30am Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 1pm on Sundays.

High Street, Brierley Hill