There's something a bit decadent about going to the pub before noon on a work day but with Wetherspoon’s causing a stir lately over the very reasonable prices of its breakfasts, that’s just what I did at 10am one day last week.

Any qualms I had beforehand of being sat among hardened boozers while sipping my cappuccino were soon put to rest as I entered The Four Candles in George Street.

There were couples, single women, students on laptops and workmen on a break, all happily tucking in to what may be the cheapest breakfast deals in the city.

For £2.99 you can have a traditional breakfast with egg, bacon, sausage, baked beans, hash browns, tomato and toast; double the size for £4.70 and add 99p for a large filter coffee with free refills until 2pm.

Other deals come with discounted drinks.

There’s plenty of choice, from toast and preserves £1.40 (£1.90 with hot drink or juice), porridge with compote £2.19 (£2.69 with drink) and Greek-style yoghurt with fruit and honey £1.99 (£2.49 with drink) to American-style pancakes with syrup £2.19 (£2.70 with bacon) and eggs Royale, two poached eggs on an English muffin with smoked salmon and Hollandaise sauce, £4.19 (£4.69 with drink).

Eggs Benedict (£3.69 or £4.19 with drink) came with a generous two thick slices of Wiltshire cured ham doubled over on each of the two halves of my English muffin.

The two poached eggs were overcooked – I’ll ask them to be served runny another time – but for the price, I wasn’t about to complain.

It’s cheap and cheerful, fast food which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Yes, I’ve had better, but I’ve also paid a lot more for similar quality.

So if you are looking to ‘do brunch’ without spending a packet, the Four Candles serves breakfasts from 8am to noon.

The Four Candles, 51-53 George Street, Oxford OX1 2BE. Call 01865 263110