£40 for two used to sound like a fairly ordinary meal out.

In 2026 it can disappear before anyone has ordered a second drink.

So we went looking for Peterborough meals where two people can still see the food bill coming.

 £24 for two at Parcs and people keep talking about the presentation

Parcs Restaurant at Peterborough College currently advertises three courses for £12 per person at its weekday lunch service.

That price is eye-catching, but the thing that makes it more interesting is what diners say afterwards.

People who have eaten there repeatedly mention food that looks far more polished than the price suggests, friendly service and the fact the students are learning the trade rather than simply reheating cheap lunch food.

One recent diner described the atmosphere as relaxed and said the plates across the table were consistently good.

 Another praised the value and presentation.

The catch This is not a spontaneous Saturday lunch. So you'll need the weekday noon slot to work for you.

£32.95 for two at Turkish Grill Werrington the sharing option

Turkish Grill Werrington lists a mixed kebab for two from £32.95, with chicken shish, kofte, chicken wings, Turkish bread, rice, salad and sauce.

That is the one for two hungry people who would rather put a platter in the middle than order separate mains.

The question we would ask before going: is that enough for two genuinely hungry adults, or does the table start adding sides and pushing the bill up?

If you have tried it, tell us.

 £39.90 for two at 1498 — but this is where opinions get interesting

1498 The Spice Affair advertises a £19.95-per-head set menu on selected evenings.

People who love the place do not just say “nice curry”. They repeatedly mention the lamb chops, butter chicken, poppadoms, interesting Goan dishes and attentive service.

 A few also mention that the room can get noisy when there are big groups.

That is the sort of detail a menu cannot tell you.

So yes two people can still eat for under £40 before drinks.

But the better question is what kind of £40 meal you want: polished college lunch, big sharing platter or an evening where the food gets people talking.