The Little Ginger Pig, Foregate Street, Worcester (From Worcester News)

The Little Ginger Pig, Foregate Street, Worcester

10:00am Friday 6th June 2008 in Search By Lauren Rogers, @laurenrogersWN #WENews

WHEN the Balcony Cafe at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum closed almost a year ago I'm not sure many people noticed.

The small coffee shop above the city's library had grown tired and hum-drum. It was mediocre and no longer welcoming.

Fortunately, new local company Little Ginger Pig has breathed new life into the place. Walking up the museum's grand staircase to reach the cafe, my husband and I anticipated a light, but filling lunch.

The menu did not disappoint. Bursting with local flavours and Worcestershire produce - surely this can only gain them brownie points - the cafe owners clearly enjoy an innate passion and appreciation for honest, home-cooked food.

While settling into the relaxed, informal atmosphere and debating whether to sit on the comfy sofas, I ordered a bottle of Barbourne perry (£3). This strong, but refreshingly crisp tipple is made from handpicked Worcestershire pears and produced just up the road by a Worcester family. It embodies a lot of what Little Ginger Pig seems to stand for.

My husband opted for a homemade orangeade - a far cry from the usual sugary-sweet carbonated canned drinks and much tastier.

Tempting as it was to gorge on nibbles, from olives to hunks of fresh bread and local cheeses, or order the hot meal of the day (carbonara), we decided on sandwiches.

I chose a granary baguette with roast ham, English mustard and salad (£3.50). The glazed gammon - locally sourced and home-cooked, of course - was delicious; soft and flavoursome, and the salad fresh and plentiful. While it would not have won any contests for innovation, this was exactly want I wanted. No fuss. No unnecessary fancy dressing.

My husband, a fan of fancy dressing, chose a grilled brunch roll stuffed with mozzeralla, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil (£2.75). This vegetarian option was again uncomplicated, classic fare. His only comment was that it tasted even better with Parma ham.

We still had room for pudding and shared a healthy-sized slice of carrot cake; it was light, moist and ever-so-slightly spicy.

The bill came to £13.25. With art on the walls, soft music in the background and perfect service, it won't be long until the Little Ginger Pig has made a name for itself in Worcester.

HOW IT RATEDLittle Ginger Pig at the Balcony Cafe, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester Telephone: 01905 724488Food ***** Value for money ***** Ambience ***** Service *****