This prominent café off the A6 always caught my eye - I finally gave it a go

The quirky cafe has a welcoming interior and is set off a busy junction

I recently found myself in need of a spot of brunch and - like many of us do - spent too long deciding which restaurant would best supply my cravings. In Belper, the town I have called home since February, diners seem spoilt for choice due to the vast selection of pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars - but one prominent location has always caught my eye.

Whether I'm walking down to Aldi or driving along the A6 returning from Derby, I always seem to lock eyes with the Bookcafe off the Chapel Street/New Road roundabout. There's just something about it that seems welcoming - maybe it's the fancy illuminated signage to the front or just the bright red bricks that catch the gaze of those heading through the town.

I don't usually eat out much (you know, cost of living and all that), but I thought it would make a nice treat to combat the daunting weather that September can bring. Many people argue the prime time for a full (or little) English breakfast, with some saying it's just for the morning - and others arguing it's a suitable meal up until mid-afternoon.

I agree more so with the latter, especially if you've skipped breakfast that day. Sometimes all you crave is a thick slab of pork paired with other pork variants - the British way.

When my rumbling stomach and I entered the Bookcafe, we didn't know what to expect. It has a fairly moderate rating of 3.5/5 on Tripadvisor which is surprisingly low, however, one of these comments complains about "undercooked coffee" - so I'll take them with a pinch of salt.

As you enter the café, you'll find a quirky interior with dark, mood lighting which creates a cosy atmosphere. Downstairs you'll hear the steam blasting from the coffee machine and the occasional 'ding ding' when food is being served. If you fancy a more calming experience - not that downstairs is particularly hectic - head upstairs where you'll find a quiet loft space with a large bookshelf to the rear - hence the name, 'Bookcafe'.

As I mentioned before, I'm a bit tight when it comes to spending so I didn't want to break the bank. Breakfast classics on the menu include the full Derbyshire (£12.85), the full veggie and vegan (£12.85), the little brekkie (£8.95), smashed avocado and eggs (£10.95), ham and eggs Benedict (£10.45) and other bits and bobs.

The menu is served all day until 3.30pm and food can be ordered either from the till (you must tell them a table number) or from the table itself, using a QR code similar to what you'd find in a chain pub. I opted for the little brekkie, a light brunch that I hoped wouldn't put me out of action for the rest of the day.

It must've only been 15 minutes before my food arrived which, considering it was a fairly busy day, was good for me. The little brekkie contains one fried egg, one slice of (thick) back bacon, one sausage, beans and a slice of seeded bloomer toast.

I must admit, when I first saw the tiny plate coming my way, I didn't think it was mine. It was served on a side plate roughly the size of my hand, with the four ingredients surrounding the ramekin of beans in the centre.

I don't know why but, even though I got exactly what I ordered on the menu, I felt a little disappointed at the portion size. Picture this, if you put all those ingredients on a bread bun, minus the beans, you would not expect to be charged nearly £9 for a humble butty.

In terms of the food itself, it was glorious. The sausage was either a Lincolnshire or a Cumberland (I can never remember which is which) and you could tell it was from a happy pig and a good butcher. The same goes with the bacon, which was thick and lean and partnered beautifully with the runny egg and seeded bloomer.

I honestly can't fault the quality of food, or the dish at all really, I just think the price needs knocking down a bit, maybe a £6.50/£7.50 price tag would be more suitable. To be honest, all it would take is some mushrooms, a tomato or a hash brown and it would have made the perfect brunch with a suitable price tag.

After inhaling the grub in an impressive (or worrying) time, I washed it down with a flat white, an item which is often the victim of scorched milk and burnt coffee - making it a great way to test a barista's skills. It was a great coffee served at a perfect temperature - and a nice end to what was a pretty good trip all around.

Would I recommend to a friend? Absolutely, but I'd maybe warn about the small portion size on the little brekkie - but for some, that size would be perfect. It's a great place for a coffee and a chat - and they also had a great selection of cakes and treats (and books), so the little ones will be entertained as well.

Food Rating: 7.5/10

Price: The little brekkie (£8.95) and flat white (£3.55) = £12.30

Price rating: 5/10