Escape the daily grind at Doncaster's The Grind

It is a Saturday lunchtime, and, already by 12.30pm, the urban restaurant sees many of its tables full. We luckily find a spot at the rear, away from the main grill area and bar, and peruse the menu. As we are on a shopping trip we don’t want anything too heavy so steer away from the heavenly sounding 12oz sirloin and 18oz T-bone and check out the vast choice of burgers, wraps, fajitas, salad bowls, paninis and platters. The waiter takes our drinks order and explains immediately that due to the large influx of customers that lunchtime we would be looking at a 15 to 20 minute wait for any order we place It actually turned out to be half an hour but we were in no rush thankfully. In preparation for a big race I was undertaking the following day I decide to plump for the lemon-dill salmon from the grill which was topped up with dill sauce and served with grilled vegetables of mushrooms, courgettes, green beans, tomatoes, onions and peppers. A great choice. Served on a wooden board, the salmon was a little dry but this was compensated for with the juicy fresh vegetables and accompanying sauce. It was way too much for me to finish off but I gave it my best shot, and was worth every bit of the £12.50 price tag. One of my fellow diners decided on the chicken alfredo penne - pan fried pieces of chicken and garlic with shredded Parmesan cheese topped up with creamy sauce - and another great portion size. She said that it lacked seasoning and, again, was a little on the dry side, but still enjoyable nonetheless. My third dining friend simply wanted a snack so went for an egg, bacon and cheese toastie at £4.90 which was soon polished off. With two soft drinks and a bottle of beer the lunch expedition came in at £33.90. The staff at The Grind were polite and friendly, the restaurant itself a little dark for my liking but I imagine it has a great ambience on an evening. They have a number of special offers on including a ‘wine and dine’ which is a bottle of prosecco or wine and any platter for £30, all day every day, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can get 20 per cent off your bill. Fed up of the daily grind? Head to The Grind. RATING - OUT OF FIVE FOOD: 3 SERVICE: 3 ATMOSPHERE: 2 VALUE: 3