We all like to have a right old whinge about places like McDonalds, don't we? Too busy most of the times; poor customer service; Ronald McDonald; too expensive just for a Big Mac on its own; too much ice in the drinks; hot drinks made from liquified steam; blah, blah, blah.

I probably do the same. See I remember when there was only Wimpy. A long time ago (early 70's) in a galaxy far, far away (Fulham) I used to love being taken by my parents to the local Wimpy Restaurant. Those days the hamburgers really had taste, the milk shakes were real milk shakes (not something you can stand straws upright in) and you were served at your table!

Now I have found a time at McDonalds which is spot on, especially if the said fast food joint is in a retail park. Breakfast at McDonalds is a totally different experience, AND pretty cheap too!

I visited McDonlalds one Sunday morning at just after 9 O'Clock prior to starting work at PC World (another much-maligned company). Upon reading the menu I decided on a Big Breakfast. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasently surprised to find a nice little assortment of brekkie-type things accompanied by a drink of your choice. It all came on a polystyrene tray with plastic knife and fork.

The foodstuff comprised of a sausage patty (very nice tasting variant of the good old hamburger), some scrambled eggs, a hash brown, a muffin and beans (don;t like beans, so I ditched them) accompanied by a cup of tea.

Personally, I felt this little meal set me up for the day. I didn't even feel like lunch at my usual time, and that's saying something.

The best thing about this mini-banquet? It cost just £1.99.

It has taken me a considerable length of time to finally geting round to trying a McDonalds Breakfast, but I have to say it was worth the wait and I'm looking forward to some more excuses to visit the place at that time of the morning.