FRIENDS having spotted a relatively new café suggested we should all investigate.

In the post-Christmas period, it was an excuse to escape the turkey leftovers.

The village of Newton-le-Willows is just off the main Bedale to Leyburn road. The café is located to the south of the village on the road leading to Masham. It is well sign-posted and accessed by a winding unmade track that opens out into a large car park.

The surrounding buildings have been a farm with the café occupying a barn conversion.

The café is on two levels. An open staircase leads to the upper floor and gallery with original paintings by local artists.

What immediately struck us was the large window leading on to a terrace and the panoramic view of lower Wensleydale.

This family-run business specialises in home-baked savouries, desserts and cakes.

There are soups, sandwiches and lunchtime specials. A number of novelty teapots were on sale.

As a party of five we ranged the menu. George chose tomato and basil soup with a roll (£3.95). Knowing how difficult it can be to get a thick soup really hot, I risked the leek and potato option. This was a winner, at the right temperature and full of leeks and flavour. Sadly, George reported that his soup, although tasty, could have been hotter.

The ladies ruled out sandwiches (£3.95) and debated whether to try the meat or cheese platter (£5.95). Finally, all three and George chose bacon and egg quiche. What helpings!

Obviously homemade, the delicious quiche came with a selection of leaves, cucumber, tomato, radish, celery, peppers, coleslaw and grapes. Yorkshire crisps completed the extras.

There was little conversation while the meal was eaten with everyone totally satisfied with their selection. A portion of the quiche migrated my way and I can confirm the verdict.

I followed my soup with a crispy bacon roll (£2.10). Rather expecting to find some rare breed bacon, it was disappointing to learn that this would not be so. I was served with average bacon in an unremarkable bread bun.

We decided not to try the desserts (£3.95) on this occasion, remembering our resolve to reduce our food intake following the excesses of December.

Teacakes and scones are available with the usual hot drinks in two sizes, medium and large. But we did speculate what a cream cookie sandwich (£2.50) might be.

This is not a café you are likely to find by chance. But having found it, it is a place you may wish to revisit. Run by the owners, you can tell that everything has been prepared to order which made for an unhurried snack on our part. Should the venue be very busy, delay could become an issue.

The café is open the year round from Wednesdays to Sundays and has a fenced children's playground.

The toilets are of a high standard and are on the ground floor.