NAUGHTY food goes with Fridays like fish goes with chips.

So, my colleague and I cast our net across Kendal, and wound up at Fish Express on Highgate for a tasty lunchtime treat.

You could be forgiven for thinking the town centre joint was just another chippy but, if you look beyond the counter, what you see is a cosy little cafe offering customers the opportunity to enjoy their meal inside if they wish.

Its popularity was obvious - a dozen people were seated when we were visiting, plus a steady stream of shoppers, OAPs and workmen filtering through the door on a chilly February afternoon.

Fish Express is a strange hybrid of a local chippy and a restaurant, where we were surprised to find a little bar at the back from where wine is served.

An array of specials adorned the wall, covering all manner of fish dishes, as well as steak and chicken.

Main meals are all around the £6 to £8 mark.

We both had fish, chips, mushy peas and bread and butter and shared a pot of tea between us in a meal deal for two which cost £13.99.

We both felt full by the time we had finished but, compared to take- away fish and chips, you do not get quite the same amount of chips.

Overall, it was good value with the bread and butter, full plates and enough tea for a few cups each.

It was more than you would pay for taking fish and chips away but not by much and the extras were worth it.

And the waitress was very friendly. Worth a visit either for lunch or tea.