On a wet and windy day, I cannot think of many more pleasant ways to spend a lunch hour than wandering through St Nic’s Market. It always amazes me that however many times I visit, I always find something new and interesting. I may not fancy purchasing a rock filled with colourful crystals or a first day cover from 1974, but I enjoy thinking that for somebody, they will make a perfect gift.

After a wander, I still have my regular hants, one of which is Royce Rolls café where I always buy an Eccles cake for 80p. Their Eccles cakes are the best I have ever found, with layers of crumbly pastry fit to bursting with juicy currents.

For those foolish enough not to choose the Eccles cakes, there are plenty of other splendid options: pasties, bhajis, samosas, pies and flapjacks, not forgetting more than a dozen different teas including a selection of organic herbal teas from Bristol’s very own Pukka Herbs. And of course, rolls made to order.

The counter at Royce Rolls is fit to bursting with all the food on offer, and underneath the counter, posters advertise the latest going-on in Bristol, from gigs at the Academy to underground club nights.

As I was sitting down, reading about Ian Dury in The Word magazine, I was joined by my friend Jim, who was passing through St Nic’s after buying some gluten-free bread at the farmer’s market on Corn Street. Clive’s gluten-free cakes and pies are two other things sold at Royce Rolls, so Jim is a big fan of theirs too.

Royce Rolls is a true gem at the heart of St Nic’s, just make sure you save some Eccles cakes for me.

Price of a large fairtrade filter coffee: £1.40

Royce Rolls, St Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol.