Pricey bacon butty claims 'just porkies' say city cafes (From thisisoxfordshire)

Pricey bacon butty claims 'just porkies' say city cafes

6:10am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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FOR many, a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee is the ideal start to a long day at work.

But, if a new survey is to be believed, Oxford is the most expensive place in the countryto buy a bacon butty.

The poll by Marks & Spencer claimed the average cost of a bacon sandwich in Oxford was £2.85, compared to a national average of £2.18.

Elsewhere, the average bacon sandwich in Nottingham cost £1.98, Leeds £2.09 and in the cheapest area, Newcastle, £1.78.

M&S, which has a store in Queen Street and charges £2.75 for its own bacon sandwiches, has been sizing up the competition at nearby sandwich shops and cafes.

However, a check-up by the Oxford Mail on eateries around the city showed our bacon buttie producers have a more competitive streak.

Mick’s Cafe in Botley Road, one of the few traditional “greasy spoons” left in Oxford, is still able to sell its bacon sarnies at a competitive £2.20.

Meanwhile, Excelsior Cafe, Cowley Road, pointed out its sandwiches were also priced reasonably at £2.

A member of staff said: “Our bacon sandwich price is very fair. It is one of our most popular orders. People just come in and out, grabbing them off the counter.”

Bebe’s, a sandwich stall outside Oxford railway station, charges £3 for a bacon bap.

Owner Alan Joyce believes his prices are fair and competitive.

“I am happy to sell my sandwiches for £3, my bacon is fresh, organic and thick cut,” he said.

“Most cafes charge less, but their bacon is often frozen and not of good quality.

“At the end of the day I am just an honest man trying to make a living.”

Mr Joyce buys and sells British pork, which has risen considerably in price over the past few years.

He explained it was because of EU laws over pig welfare, which had inflated prices.

“I am buying local pigs to reduce my carbon footprint; when buyers’ prices drop, I will too,” Mr Joyce added.

“All meat is overpriced in the UK. I believe businesses and people should stop being so greedy when it comes to buying and selling their meat.”

Edward Allen, a pig farmer from Wallingford, said: “British pork is the very best. However, welfare law implications mean are costs are higher when it comes to breeding the pigs, so for us to make our margins we have to sell at a higher price than countries such as Denmark and Germany, who don’t have such strict rules.”

No-one was available last night at M&S to comment on how it collected the data.