Meal Ticket: Simon’s Place, Dublin 2

A longtime favourite of musicians, students, actors, artists, stall holders from George’s Street Arcade and (on this rare occasion, the word is warranted) an eclectic bunch of loyal customers, Simon’s Place is a Dublin institution on the corner of George’s Street and the arcade.

With large windows looking in on the cafe, its walls plastered with old gig posters, its wooden chairs, large communal tables and great music helping build an atmosphere.

The menu is as consistent as the vibe – honest-to-goodness doorstep sandwiches, with old-school fillings, such as chicken, lettuce, spring onions, tomato (€4.90 eat in). Or for the same price, swap out the chicken for egg, or ham, or tuna or cheese. Salads come in half portions (€2.20) and three- and four-per-plate servings (€5.90, €7.50) or try the General Vegetable soup (€4.50) – a hot bowl of goodness that can help banish the most stubborn of sniffles. You’ll often find gigs here in the evenings and you can expect to queue at lunchtime. Make sure you leave room for one of the ridiculously good cinnamon buns (€2.20).