If you're feeling a bit peckish in the morning, why not pop round to one of Worcester's many roadside eateries? David Paine went out on to the city's streets to get the low-down on the best butties on offer.

BRANSFORD ROAD LAY-BYOWNER: Steve James, aged 36, of Malvern.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: One year.

OPENING HOURS: 7.30am to 2pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 1pm Saturday.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Nicely grilled rashers of bacon served in two thick slices of fresh, white bread. Option of butter and a good choice of sauces to apply yourself.

PRICE: £2.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: *** SERVICE: Friendly owner serves a tasty snack so it is no surprise to stand queueing with ravenous regulars.

AMBIENCE: Nice views of green fields to admire as you munch away but a busy, noisy road can spoil your snack.

NAVIGATION ROAD, DIGLIS

OWNER: John Wood, aged 33, of Astwood Road.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: Four months.

OPENING HOURS: 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Bacon was nice to taste and served in slices of best of both' bread. The only place to offer salt and pepper.

PRICE: £2.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: **** SERVICE: Healthier eaters will be happy to know that you can get the fat cut off your bacon here. Your buttie will also be briefly popped into an oven to warm - ideal if you want to eat it at work.

AMBIENCE: Television on the counter is bound to be a hit with punters. Quite calm and relaxing.

COSGROVE CLOSE, BLACKPOLE

OWNER: Chris Lown, aged 38, Warndon Villages.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: Seven years.

OPENING HOURS: 6am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday, 6am to 10am Saturday.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Quality and quantity. Delicious, big rashers of bacon served inside two thick wedges of freshly cut farmhouse loaf. The crusts are very tasty while the bread is light and airy - a fantastic combination.

PRICE: £1.70.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: ***** SERVICE: Very friendly, but if you are not in the mood to talk, feel free to peruse the papers. Also does a delivery service.

AMBIENCE: In the middle of an industrial estate. Need we say more?

OLD POWICK BRIDGE LAY-BY

OWNER: Maurice Hannay, aged 62, of Dines Green, Worcester.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: 10 years.

OPENING HOURS: 8.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Good bacon served in a sorry excuse for bread. Thin, limp slices of white bread mean messy fingers and not enough taste. Graeme Hick's a regular, though.

PRICE: £1.80.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: ** SERVICE: Very fast service which is great for anybody in a hurry.

AMBIENCE: Views of the old Powick generating station are spoiled by the noise of traffic travelling in and out of Worcester.

RUMBLETUMS, SHERRIFF ST

OWNER: Kate Joels.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: Six months.

OPENING HOURS: 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8am to 1pm.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Big, tasty rashers of bacon served in fresh, thicker-than-your-average pre-sliced white bread. A perfect splattering of your favourite sauce too.

PRICE: £1.80.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: *** SERVICE: The comments book on the counter is a nice touch and a great way to get an idea of what is good on the menu. Also delivers.

AMBIENCE: Listen to the radio while you wait - although eating your breakfast bap in an industrial estate by a busy road is not ideal.

BANK STREET, OFF HIGH STREET

OWNER: Lorraine Burrows, of Northwick.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?: 23 years.

OPENING HOURS: 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday, 11am to 3.30pm on Sunday.

WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE?: Bacon is mild to taste and served in a fresh, squidgy hot dog roll - quite nice for a change. Taste is enhanced by the knowledge that it is the cheapest by far.

PRICE: £1.30.

BACON BUTTIE RATING: *** SERVICE: Very quick and efficient service with a smile. Up to you to apply any necessary sauces.

AMBIENCE: Situated just off a bustling High Street means convenience and plenty of places to perch on a bench while you watch the world go by.