WHEN Michael Hannides opened his cafe in 1940, the ambitious young Cyrpiot began work at 5am each morning to serve full English breakfasts for just 4p.

While the city has transformed beyond recognition over the past 70 years, George’s Restaurant remains a Southampton institution that’s great value for money.

Set on St Michael’s Street, a stone’s throw from the Tudor House in the heart of the Old Town, George’s is today the oldest family-run restaurant in Southampton.

Peter Hannides, Michael’s son, has been at the helm for almost two decades and offered a warm welcome when a friend and I called in for dinner.

Steeped in history, George’s makes a refreshing change from the characterless chain-restaurants that dominate High Streets across the country.

You’ll find members of Southampton’s Greek community, as well as Daily Echo journalists and local politicians, gossiping at the bar.

The restaurant was famous for introducing spaghetti bolognese to Southampton and while the traditional Italian dish is still on offer, the rest of the menu is distinctly Greek.

For starters we shared a plate of Greek dips (£4.50) and calamari fritti (£4.95), washed down with a couple of KEOs, the popular Cypriot larger.

The generous portion of warm, fresh pitta bread was served with taramasalata, houmous and tzatsiki dips, while the calamari was extraordinarily tender.

I was tempted by the rack of lamb (£13.95), sirloin steak (£14.50) and lamb kleftiko (£12.95), but in the end I opted for George’s Mix (£9.95).

One of six “Greek specialities” on the menu, the dish includes two huge portions of souvlaki and bifteki, with a side of salad.

The pork was succulent, the spices zesty and costing less then a tenner, incredibly good value for money.

My pal, who is a real food-lover, ordered the moussaka, a famous Greek dish made with layers of aubergine, peppers, potatoes and lamb mince (£9.50).

Piping hot, dripping with cheese and served with a side of salad, he declared it the best moussaka he’d ever tasted.

For dessert we somehow managed to squeeze in a toffee and marshmallow sundae (£4.50) and a banana split (£4.50).

For a three-course meal – including four beers – our bill came to £50.90, which you’d be hard-pressed to match anywhere in 2010.

It’s nice to know some things never change.

George’s Restaurant
1 St Michaels Square Southampton
023 8022 3749