Touring Bikes
You don't see a lot of touring bikes around, but they've always seemed eminently sensible to me as commuters, utility bikes and general all rounders. As well as being good at their primary role of long distance, solo, ultra light camping. ISTM that there's room here for another combination style that does what "Hybrid" was meant to do but didn't. Take bits from Road-Racing and CX but add racks and baskets. Fit wide (by Road standards) sensible tyres like Marathon Plus, 700 x 32/35C
So can anyone recommend a steel frame tourer with a mechanical front disk brake, racks, baskets, mudguards for not silly amounts of money? Where should I start looking?
As for suggestions, I've got a genesis cdf from a couple of years ago. Its a great bike and not too expensive. It has everything you've asked for as well. I've fully loaded it up with front and back racks, but also taken it on a 100 mile road ride.
So yeah I'd say cdf or Croix de fer if you have a bit of extra cash.
Alternatively buy a decent frame and work with your local bike shop to build it up (or do it yourself if you have the tools/know-how). Planet X have some nice frames (how about the Kaffenback?) that would make for great Tourers.