Peni Deli

Peni Deli looked so good from the outside and while I was in Penicuik, I looked forward to lunchtime where I would get some food here. However, it all ended with bitter disappointment.
Upon entering, I could not see any clear menus displaying what was on offer. However, there was a blackboard behind the counter displaying the days specials, and from this I ordered a meatball, mozzarella and tomato panini.
During my wait for my lunch, I admired the shop. It is very open and spacious and has very simplistic yet comfortable tables available for sit in customers. In front of me, the counter displayed the fillings available for sandwiches. There was a notable lack of variety present in comparison to other such sandwich counters I have been to. The only meats seemed to be ham, chorizo, salami and some sort of spicy chicken… While I assume there were other ingredients available, they were not on display and were not advertised by any sort of clear menu besides those located on the sit in tables. Reading this, I was alarmed that the only ingredient that appeared to be missing from the counter display was tuna, cheese and the meatballs, certainly nothing to get too excited about.
The prices for the sandwiches also seemed a little pricey. I paid £3.95 for my panini and regular toasties were around the £3 mark. On the plus side, the home baked treats available looked delicious and were separated into large portions.
Along came my panini after a considerable wait, which to their credit was accompanied by an apology. Finally I sank my teeth into my lunch and was met by a horrendous lack of flavour. There was only a trace of mozzarella present and the tomato sauce and meatballs were tasteless. I was also not offered any salad with it as expected. I honestly could have done a better job myself at home for about half the price.
Overall a disappointing experience. Food lacking flavour, a lack of variety, and expensive prices. Saved by the fact that should you sit in, it offers a good atmosphere.