Does anyone remember the Sheerness Restaurant at 12 High Street, Sheerness?

The Arrigoni brothers were the proprietors who in 1932 were able to offer a special lunch which comprised a cut from the joint, two vegetables, cheese or sweet all for one shilling.

Small wonder this dining establishment was so popular. Despite the fact it was unlicensed staff were willing to “send out” for beer, wines or spirits to accompany the meal.

They didn’t have to go far – just next door to The Goat.

When we consider that a jacket potato with filling costs anything from £2.50p to £5 these days, back then, potatoes fried, boiled, mashed, sauteed or served Lyonnaise were just threepence.

For the more discerning customer a rump steak was 10d as were grilled kidney or veal cutlets.

A quick snack of bacon and eggs or herb omelette would set them back 8d.

If funds were really low two boiled eggs and bread and butter was theirs for four pence.

The High Street scene at this time included premises belonging to JW Banner, dairyman and poulterer, Wood and Sons bakers, pastry cooks and confectioners, who also had premises at The Cabin, Broadway, and apart from selling their own bread, also stocked Turog and Allinson’s.

The long-established F Cassell fish merchant had a claim to fame as a herring and haddock curer.