Shop, shop, shop... Honestly, we don’t know how you cope sometimes! Suggestion: Take five and enjoy a refreshing break in the company of Linda Steelyard.

Put us in a location where there are shops and most members of the Counter Culture team can pound the streets and malls for up to eight hours without sitting down (apart from when trying on shoes). This isn’t a flippant comment. It’s a fact. Just ask the weary remainders of our ranks.

We find reserves of energy only usually experienced by marathon runners when in sniffing distance of the finishing line and a mortal enemy just a few paces ahead.

But while all that walking might be good for burning calories, it can be tiring.

Moseying in to a shop, half looking at a couple of things near the door and then moseying out again is not for us. At lightning speed we cover every section, dismissing entire racks, or identifying possible targets, after a quick but thorough scan, before carrying out a final sweep of said targets in which we swiftly weigh up their ‘fors’ and ‘againsts’.

For example: “Shiny red Mary Janes, right size, right heel height. For: they’re beautiful and I love them. Against: I already have six pairs. Next!”

Anything that makes the final cut is coming home to live with us.

What do you mean ‘where’s the fun?’. It’s like a military operation. (No wonder nobody ever wants to come shopping with us).

So this year, we have decided that we are definitely going to try to find time to take more breaks during shopping trips.

There’s something lovely about heading away from the busier areas of the city centre to the quieter, often prettier streets where warm, friendly coffee shops are waiting with a smile and a comfy seat.

To help inspire you to leave those sale bargains alone for a moment and put your feet up, here’s our list of our favourite places to get a cuppa and a quick something to eat in the city centre.

1. Lupa di Roma, Market Street

This new arrival is a sibling of the popular Roma, in Halford Street.

Expect good-value, homemade Italian food in cosy surroundings.

Pasta with basil and tomato, and garlic bread, for example, is £5, while a homemade pizza slice is £2.50.

2. Roma, Halford Street

While we’re on the subject… Is there anyone who hasn’t fallen even just a little bit in love with Roma once they’ve discovered it?

If you want coffee and pizza or pasta in surroundings that could fool you into thinking you’re on the continent, this is the place to come.

Lunch-time meal deal Monday to Friday – any pasta from the al la carte menu with garlic bread and a soft drink or coffee, £6.

3. Brucciani, Fox Lane, off Humberstone Gate

You’re getting an instant slice of Leicester history when you stop for a break here.

The city-based company was founded in 1937, and this café opened in 1960.

It sells great sandwiches and ice cream, but if you want cake it will make all your dreams come true.

(There’s also a Brucciani café in Churchgate).

4. Almeida, Guildhall Lane

At this tiny, trendy, friendly, tucked away gem you’ll find great coffee, fresh juices and tasty sandwiches and light meals, such as sardines on toast, £3.20.

5. Café Dido, Loseby Lane

Friendly service, modern, unfussy decor and tasty sandwiches and salads make Dido a relaxing place for all ages to stop for a break.

6. Piero’s, Loseby Lane

If you love deliciously robust coffee and wraps packed with filling come to Piero’s, which opened more than a quarter of a century ago. Our favourite buy – falafel, humous and salad wrap, £3.95.

7. Café Mbriki, Carts Lane

A relaxed and friendly café which serves the usual paninis and sandwiches but also dishes with a Greek twist, such as a Greek Platter with Greek salad, grilled halloumi, bread, dips and olives for £4.10.

However, the Counter Culture purchase of choice here is the brie and grape sandwich.

8. Hollys, St Martin’s

You’ll find an innovative and tasty range of sandwiches and hot food at this small but attractively formed coffee shop.

Our tester is drooling at the thought of another crayfish tails, fresh herb mayo and salad leaves bloomer sandwich, £3.90.

*This article originally appeared in More magazine which is published with the Mercury every Saturday. The weekend read is full of celebrity interviews, music and TV reviews, shopping and travel articles plus lots more.

Follow shops and Counter Culture columnist Linda Steelyard on Twitter @Linda_Shops

Email Linda: lindasteelyard@leicestermercury.co.uk