I had my first ever 'rice and three' curry and I feel like I've been missing out for years

The idea of 'rice and three' cafes is one that first came to Greater Manchester in the 1980s. It is a simple enough concept - a plate of rice topped with three different curries, usually at a very reasonable price.

Perhaps the best-known is This and That in the Northern Quarter. Formerly run by the Essa family, they eventually grew tired of the commute from Bolton and decided to sell up - instead opening two stores in their hometown.

Just like that, Rice 'n' Three was born. Since then, Boltonians have flocked to the cafes in the town centre and on Deane Road.

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I am embarrassed to admit that, despite living in Bolton practically my whole life, I have never actually been to try it. It isn't that I don't enjoy a curry, I bloody love them and I imagine the staff at Farnworth's Royal Balti House are sick of the sight of me.

I think it comes down to the fact that I've never seen curry as fast food. When I go to an Indian restaurant, I like to take my time, have a couple of sides and starters, maybe even a pint.

When it comes to getting a quick bite in the town centre, I'll often just get a pasty, grab a buttie from Odessa, or if I'm treating myself, visit Nkono in the market. But on a gorgeously sunny Thursday afternoon, I made my way to the Deane Road cafe to break my Rice 'n' Three duck.

Once inside I saw that the day's options included chicken, kheema, lamb, chana, kidney beans, cauliflower and paneer. Menu options are rotated on a daily basis but the special deals always remain the same - three veggie options with rice is the cheapest at £4.50, followed by one meat and two veg (£5.50), two meat and veg (£6) or