The Hungry Bear Delivery (Islandwide, charges apply)

We've been enjoying our Friday night takeaways, but this week we could no longer resist the allure of a Sunday roast.

We're not going to go to all the faff of scraping parsnips and having our oven on for hours in this stifling heat while a piece of meat goes through its paces.

No, we got the team at the Hungry Bear to do that for us while we had a relaxing lie-in and waited for lunch to be delivered to our doorstep.

Three meats — chicken, pork and beef, plus sausages wrapped in bacon — and a vast array of vegetables arrived poised to be reheated. All very simple, giving us 20 minutes to set the table.

When we finally took the steaming parcel from the oven and unveiled it for real it was a truly astounding sight - a heroic amount of food.

Hefts of meat, and plenty of vegetables ready-roasted or pre-steamed. Cat snaffled the two thick chicken breast slices and Matt served himself most of the remaining red meat. We piled on the veg, plus stuffing balls, sausages and Yorkshire puddings. With about a pint of rich, meaty gravy for only two of us this was a copious supply.

The fresh Yorkshires arrived individually foil-wrapped, and were fluffy and light, with a rather sweet tang.

Another unexpected pleasure - and arguably the ultimate trimming - was the pair of sausages wrapped in bacon. While the traditional pigs-in-blankets are made with modest chipolatas, these tasty behemoths were more like hippos-in-blankets.

Our Sunday lunchtime was going exceptionally well — and there was more to come. We'd decided to go all-in, and ordered Hungry Bear desserts to follow. Apple crumble and roly-poly pudding were our choices, topped with a dose of hot, creamy custard. Your nan would have been proud.

Patting full stomachs after our meal, we felt replete and happy. We could almost conjure up the convivial atmosphere of a cosy country pub afternoon once Sunday lunch is done, with a few patrons chatting lazily at the bar, a jukebox playing quietly in the background as a cheerful host clears the plates from the table.

Alas such fantasies remain unobtainable so long as lockdown persists for pubs and restaurants. Until then, we can heartily recommend the substantial and enjoyable Hungry Bear Sunday Roast delivery.

Read more at mattandcat.co.uk

Matt and Cat's bill

Sunday roast platter for two: £25

Puddings: 2 @ £3.50

Delivery to Ryde: £3

Total: £35

Our Verdict: Four stars: very good indeed, well worth seeking out.