THE traditional all-day breakfast may have started at the Greasy Spoon cafs or motorway service stations but it has now spread to many snack spots countrywide.

Regular readers will know that we have been known to sample this fare from time to time.

Now we read that as a nation we are becoming more obese. We have entered the age of healthy eating. Where, we wondered, could we obtain a breakfast that was not based on a substantial fry-up?

Ann was unable to join me when I set off for the Premier Travel Inn.

Because it is predominantly a hotel, I wasn't sure if food would be available to anyone walking in off the street.

There was no need to worry. I was made very welcome.

For breakfast there are two options. 'A full day deserves a full breakfast' for £6.75. As an alternative 'Enjoy a lighter start to the day' for £5.25.

If you cannot start the day without a cooked meal any combination of Cumberland sausage, back bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomato and baked beans is offered. This was not for me.

Orange or apple juice provided a start. Jugs of coffee and hot water to make your own tea were to hand. There was even a jug of iced water.

To follow, there was a good selection of packet cereals and muesli. To this could be added fresh fruit (melon and pineapple), yoghurt and milk (pasteurised or semi-skimmed).

Sliced bread lay beside the do-it-yourself toaster. Croissants were available and would be heated on request. I also spotted muffins and marmite (not necessarily together!).

In summary, there appeared to be everything you could want for a healthy and satisfying start to the day and at a reasonable price.

Breakfast is served from 7-9am from Monday to Friday and 8-10am on Saturday and Sunday.

Updated: 16:06 Friday, December 02, 2005