The products that you wouldn’t dream of buying before you came to university have somehow become essentials in your weekly shop. Despite the bland, unappealing packaging – which is probably psychological to entice you into buying the more expensive version – students hunt out Sainsbury’s Basics versions of their favourite food and temporarily disregard the blow to their pride. I’ve always been intrigued by Sainsbury’s Basics products, and since coming to Manchester I made it my mission to get acquainted with the products that have the somewhat cheesy one line descriptions. So here is my compiled list of what I consider to be the Basics products that you can easily substitute into your weekly shop, and those that shouldn’t be touched with a barge pole.
When times are hard, you can count on:
Basics Biscuits
With a cup of tea, as a substitute for lunch or because you simply can’t watch a film without eating something, Basics biscuits are great. If you can notice a difference it’s marginal as these are everything you expect a decent biscuit to be: crunchy and full of sugar. From digestives to bourbons and custard creams to Jaffa cakes, the only problem is that a packet doesn’t last too long. Not because Sainsbury’s have sneakily reduced the quantity; simply that they’re so moreish.
Basics Pizza
I consider myself to be an amateur pizza connoisseur as Italian food is my runaway favourite cuisine. Whilst I’m not saying that Sainsbury’s Basics Pizza is on a par with the likes of Croma and Strada, I will admit that trying it was a pleasant surprise in the face of my initial skepticism. Whether it’s fresh or frozen, Basics pizza frequently ends up in my shopping basket and is ideal for when I can’t be bothered to cook properly.
Basics Fruit and Vegetables
On the whole, I’ve been very impressed by Basics fruit and vegetables. Whilst you do need to carefully choose your bag of apples or carrots to avoid damaged ones, I would heartily recommend switching to Basics especially because fruit and vegetables are not normally the cheapest items on the shelves. Also, if you’re cooking vegetables as part of a stew or casserole, Basics are no different to Sainsbury’s own brand in my opinion.
Basics Squash and Fruit Juice
Squash is one of my favourite drinks and I love all the varieties of Basics squash, particularly now they sell the double strength versions. There’s no obvious difference and it’s great for mixing and making water taste that little bit fruitier. Basics Fruit juice is also good; whilst it’s nothing on the likes of Tropicana and Copella, it’s most definitely drinkable and only a fraction of the price.
Stay clear of:
Basics Cheese
One of the mantras that I live my life by is that cheese improves every savoury meal. Whether it’s baked potato, pasta, Mexican food, beans on toast – the list is endless. However, I’ve always found the blocks of Basics cheese to be on the rubbery side. Although cheese is sadly an expensive commodity, I would strongly recommend choosing an alternative brand even if it does cost slightly more.
Basics Pasta Sauce
Pasta was my staple food in my first year of university, but I have to admit that despite costing 18p Basics Pasta Sauce is really not good. It’s very sweet and artificial so I would suggest spending a bit more on pasta sauces, or better still: make it yourself.
Basics Alcohol
Personally I’m put off by simply the appearance of Basics alcohol, whether it’s lager, cider or vodka. From my experience if you’re wanting anything from a glass of wine with a nice meal to a night out that the Wolfpack would be proud of, upgrade to at least Sainsbury’s own versions so that you don’t have to worry about what you’re pumping through your body.
Basics Toilet Roll
Unless you like the idea of using sandpaper when you go to the bathroom, avoid this.
I remember being told from an early age ‘there’s no such thing as something for nothing’ or ‘life’s not fair’ and the classic ‘it’s a cruel world, son.’ Perhaps this is the reason why I spend my evenings in a dark corner rocking but it also may be the reason why I feel so suspicious of being told pretty incessantly, from several sides, that I live in a ‘something for nothing’ culture.
There have been a few examples recently in the media, such as the trial of Welsh sisters Andrea and Roberta Vaughan-Owen, who attempted to claim over one hundred million pounds in VAT fraud. I’m not sure that this really illustrates that we, as a nation, simply hand out free money. Apparently they were cheating a failing system, but they were caught and are facing prison. To get away with any large-scale fraud of our benefits systems it seems that you would have to be part of some sort of large crime syndicate. Now, I’m not defending the Vaughan-Owens, but anyone who has seen the Godfather films will know that no one works harder than the mafia.
My point is not really about this specific case, but about the context it has been applied to: as yet another example of a benefit culture where it’s easy to get by if you are lazy and morally corrupt. Look at any benefit payment in this country closely; from unemployment, disability benefit or tax credits to elderly buss passes. To characterize these benefits as undeserved or unearned is to hold an insultingly simplistic view of our culture. The picture is very complex and messy, but we are talking about millions of people in vastly differing circumstances who have one thing in common: they certainly do not receive this money for nothing. Benefits should not be held up as a sign of a morally corrupt society, and to do so would undermine the work they do in attempting to make Britain a slightly fairer place to live.
Food and Drink Campus Map Here lays the map of the best and worst of the Food and Drink available in and around the University of Manchester’s campus. The mini reviews were compiled by Isaac Cameron (IC), Lloyd Henning (LH), Jemma Gibson (JG), Roshan Gibson (RG), Lloyd Henning (LH), Catherine May (CM) and James Watts (JW).
Situated less than a minute’s walk from John Ryland’s library, it is surprising that not many students know about Christie’s bistro. Hidden upstairs in the neo-gothic Christies building, the bistro was itself initially built as a library and to this day still manages to exude a distinctly academic vibe. The bindings of large manuscripts and archaic paintings adorn the oak panelled walls, giving it a timeless, cosy, yet regal appearance. What’s really great about the bistro is its versatility; split into two different sections, it offers both a formal dining area and a relaxed lounge area. The formal dining area, I admit, is usually void of students; instead tending to attract an array of suits, wine glasses and expensive salads. The rustic lounge area however, with its coffee tables and leather sofas, is suitable for pretty much any member of the University. The menu still isn’t cheap; most sandwiches average just under £5. However, if you’re looking for somewhere you can just have a snack and a hot drink, there are some alluring deals involving a coffee and a muffin for under £3. The Bistro is open 9-5, Monday to Friday, and its busiest hours are between 12pm and 2.00pm. First thing in the morning and from around three o’clock onwards it tends to be very quiet however, and can offer the perfect space for students who wish to spend some solitary time reading in between lectures.
Couture (# 16) By Jessica Hardiman
I’d recommend the museum cafe, ‘Couture’. Most dishes are under £5 and include tasty sandwiches, a daily soup and daily one-pot dish. There’s also some dishes for under £7 if you’re feeling a bigger lunch, like salads. It does some really delicious breakfasts and brunches that feel just that little bit more upmarket than a greasy spoon (pancakes or smoked salmon and eggs for around £3-£5). A lovely experience – much more exquisite than Biko’s and far more tranquil.
The Deaf Institute (# 39) By Lloyd Henning
Get away from your dirty co-students and head to The Deaf Institute. At night it may be a hot-bed of noise and booze but around noon it’s a great lunch time retreat. There is plenty of space, with tables for groups of all sizes and the decor is a refreshing change from the bland sheen of University Place. There is a special on the menu each day, from which I have experienced all manners of culinary delights. The normal menu also has fantastic burgers and lunchtime platters and the staff are friendly. The price ranges from £4 to £7 depending on how starved you feel, although the specials are always the best value.
1. Biko cafe Price: ££ Quality: * Busyness: ** Not the most exciting place on campus by any means, but if you are desperate for a jacket potato then you won’t be disappointed. LH
2. Union Fountain Cheaper than buying a bottle of volvic, but less glamorous. LH
3. Bin outside Kilburn A great bin to meet nerds by. LH
4. Byte Cafe Price: £ Quality: * Busyness: * If you enjoy the smell of body odour with your coffee then pull up a seat next to one of Computer Scientists that dwell in this cafe. LH
5. Water Fountain next to Byte Cafe Cool. Water. LH
6. University Place Restaurant and Cafe Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: ***
7. The Oxford Price: £££ (but lots of special offers) Quality: *** Busyness: * JG
8. Ellen Wilkinson Fountain and Cafe First, or possibly second floor, just next to the staircase. Cafe on the ground floor. Good computer cluster on 3rd floor which is always quiet. IC
10. JRUL cafe Price: ££ Quality: * Busyness: ** The Library, Mecca of learning, haven of information, student’s paradise-unless they’re hungry. Mushroom soup? More like thick vegetable stock, and almost a Pound for a bar of chocolate? The only redeeming features are the friendly staff, proximity to the books and fantastic range of waste and recycling facilities. JG
11. Herbi Vores Vegetarian Cafe Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: ** This underground canteen caters for vegetarians and vegans, and anybody else who loves interesting and affordable soups, cakes and sandwiches. Situated literally outside the library, its the perfect place to satisfy your library hunger and boredom, it is also a great alternative to the JRUL cafe food. RG
12. Outside University Place Bins Excellent range of bins/recycling bins JG
13. Umami Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: * (quick service though) already tagged, but the £4.95 deal is good. IC
14. KroBar Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness: * Best for coffee, cake (only £2.95) and revision. JG
15. The Pub Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness:** JG
16. Cafe Museum Price: *** Quality: *** Busyness *** Tasty breakfast deal with sausage sandwich and a coffee. IC
17. Sand Bar Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness: * Quick service and really really good food, good for lunch time special occasions and celebrations (eg birthdays, end of exams, Fridays). JG
18. Precinct Centre Spar Price: ££ Quality: * Busyness: ** Very handy for Precinct Library and Crawford Building users JG
19. Samuel Alexander Building Lime Cafe Standard uni cafe. Has outdoor seating which is quite nice in the summer though IC
20. All Saints Park Picnic area Possibly the nicest picnic spot on campus, very leafy and spacious (only suitable for April-September) JG
21. Greggs outside Whitworth Park Price: £ Quality: ** Busyness: *** A modern classic JG
22. McColls outside Whitworth Park Price: £ Quality: ** Busyness: ** They sell Pop Tarts. Need I say more? CM
23. MacDonalds Price: ££ Quality: negligable Busyness: *** Opens at six so ideal for breakfast during late night/early morning library sessions in exam periods JG
25. Subway near the Aquatic centre Price: ££ Quality: * Busyness: * JG
26. Potters Cafe (Simon Building) Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: *** Good hot salads. IC
27. Shake That! Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: * Not as good as Shakeaway, but easily accessible for a pre-lecture sugar rush. CM
28. Christies Bistro Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness: *** Bit more pricey than most places, but probably the nicest place to eat on campus. IC
29. Dominoes Pizza near Footage Price: £££ Quality: * Busyness: ** It’s a bit of a hike, but if you’ve still got your vouchers from Freshers then you’ll know that ‘Free Pizza’ week is coming up from Feb 28. CM
30. The caf’ next door to Metro Convenience Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness ** Doesn’t appear to have a name on the exterior, but has by far the best salad bar in Manchester – not massive, but has gorgeous sweet chili potatoes and other ethnic bits and bobs. Great chilled out vibe too. CM
31. Costa Coffee Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: ** Ideal location for breakfast on the way into lectures from Victoria Park/Fallowfield. Pricier than supermarket croissants etc. but the Chocolate Twist cannot be bettered. Wide range of paninis for lunch too. CM
32. Valu Supermarket The name gives it all away really. CM
33. Sainsbury’s Price: ££ Quality: ** Busyness: *** The latest Sainsbury’s to open in Manchester is in a prime location for students on their way to university. You can be sure to get your daily meal deal and delicious bakery treats to help you get through the day. JW
34. Happiness Cafe Price: £ Quality: ** Busyness: *** Find the true meaning of a happy meal here… Great paninis + £2.50 = Happy. RG
35. Fruit and Nut Sandwich Bar Price: £ Quality: ** Busyness: ** Friendly faces and plenty of sandwiches. LH
36. International Cafe Price: ££ Quality: *** Busyness: ** A great place to eat if you like to have your plate piled to the brim. For around £5 you can have yourself a plateful of all sorts of curries and there is always a vegetarian option. My suggestion is to go for both rice and chips, this helps ensure complete immobility after the feast. LH
37. Business School Cafeteria Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness: ** A lovely place to eat, and has plenty of variety in the menu. However, it does make you feel like a bit of a plebeian as you stare over at the diners of the posh hotel restaurant shares the same space. LH
38. University Place water fountains (in the restaurant) Deserve a special mention-this is possibly the only place cups are supplied. JG
39. The Deaf Institute Price: £££ Quality: *** Busyness: * LH
