We try out new Spalding cafe Fratelli on opening day

There’s a certain excitement to trying a new eaterie for the first time.

Be it the hope of finding your new go-to place, the thrill of discovering a dish or being the one in the know to tell your friends about this gem, there’s always an intriguing appeal about the unknown.

And that was certainly the buzz inside Fratelli, Spalding’s new Anglo-Italian inspired cafe, which welcomed customers for the first time today (Tuesday, July 9).

In this town where residents are regularly crying out for new, independent businesses to start up and drag the public into its centre could Fratelli offer a little inspiration?

It would have been rude of LincsOnline not to have a taste test at this new venture for husband and wife Ionut and Raluca Ungureanu.

A steady stream of customers were already coming through the door before the lunchtime rush; shoppers, curious passersby and friends who had pledged their support ensuring a busy atmosphere, but leaving just enough tables free so nobody was left disappointed.

“Is this new?” asked one lady, shopping trolley in tow, intrigued enough to find herself a seat at one of the sturdy wooden bench-tables before an answer could be delivered, scanning the room to see slates of beautifully presented brunches and lunches delivered to tables.

The menu offered a pleasant variety of heavy and light breakfasts, pizzas, pizzettas (smaller versions with side salads) and focaccia sandwiches as well as hot and cold drinks - including mocktails - for those wanted a quick refuel.

And don’t worry, vegetarians and kids were both well catered for too.

Channeling my inner Tony Soprano I went for the mortadella sandwich - pesto, burrata cheese and slices of pork generously presented in a large focaccia roll.

Too big to be eaten by hand (I wasn’t the only one taken aback with portion sizes, ask the ladies nearby who just couldn’t come close to finishing their full Englishes), I picked up my knife and fork and tucked in.

The filling was fresh and full of flavour while the bread, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft to the bite inside, complemented it to a tee.

This was an authentic Italian sandwich, the type served up from counters across the continent, packed with filling and extremely filling, costing £12.50 along with an Americano coffee.

Fratelli is a new venture with a new feel. Maybe you can judge for yourself?