“We are off to Greece”, he said, “We are going to dine on the food of the Mediterranean”, he said.

One can be gullible but not on this occasion, not only would my editor not risk a £5,000 fine for unnecessary travel but it is unlikely the Standard would cough up for my trip, not even on Ryanair. So I had better put my Speedos and Earworms Greek phrase book away.

I was of course right, I was being sent, not to sunnier climes but to Cricklade Street in Cirencester, to The old Café, that is said to offer great Greek specials and during the lockdown have been selling takeaway street food –gyros.

I recall them from many summers ago in Thessaloniki, delicious chicken gyros, with tzatziki sauce, chips, tomatoes, onion, all wrapped in a pitta bread.

Blue skies, sun glistening on the white buildings and taking a bite of this magical food, the hot juices escaping the bag and wrap and running down into my hands, causing me to drop the food of the Greek gods onto the pavement to the delight of the stray cats.

I am hoping this Corinium gyros experience will eclipse the one from more native surroundings to this snack, although a hint of the sun would be nice. The stray animals can of course ‘do one’.

The cold stroll in the snow did not dampen my spirits as I waited outside this small café for my gyros, a choice of chicken or pork, I went for the pork.

I chose to wait out on the street, probably just so I could stare longingly at The Wheatsheaf pub, still closed as part of the lockdown.

How I wished for a glance of landlord Dave in his crimson skinny tie, giving me one of his famous big smiles and a pint of his fine ale.

The gyros was delicious and reminded me all those holidays to the med, minus the cats, the onions were perfectly caramelised and the chips are reminder of the naughtiness of a vacation and the lack of diet or routine, pure indulgence and with a canned drink for only £7.

The old Café is small but a delight. The menu offers all of your café favourites, big breakfasts, hearty lunches and great fresh salads. The Greek element is a real bonus.

Sadly, it does not have any outside seating so will remain closed under the current lockdown regulations and will only be able to do takeaway.

Something worth considering when we are all let out of our cages to run riot, while seating and in parties of six, of course, at the restaurants and pubs that are lucky enough to have outdoor space.

Businesses like The Old Café will still need support so grab yourself a gyros and come May 17 we can smash plates with them after a slice of what I am sure will be damn good moussaka.