Not everyone is aware that Newcastle has its own Chinatown, and in some ways very elegant it is, with the bright, clean colours, carpets with no apparent expense spared, and discreet lighting.

You need to be a real enthusiast to distinguish between the many dishes of the Cantonese cuisine. Here at The Dragon House there is a wide choice, based on a traditional format, with little flourishes and additions that make for even more interesting eating. The pork and oyster hotpot springs to mind.

Most Chinese restaurants do well with their special lunches. These two, sometimes three course events are invariably good value, quickly served and satisfying. To those cynics who ask if I have considered why, I would only say there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating what was not served the night before provided the rules of hygiene have been observed. Many of our mothers did it all the time and can anyone say we are the worse for it? Deafened by your silence I rest my case and trot off down to The Dragon House to enjoy my three course lunch for £5.50. I might even celebrate with a bottle of chilled Chinese beer.