WE Intended to act on a recommendation for a snack, only to find the business discontinued. So it was by chance that we found ourselves in Lendal.

How the Judges Lodgings has changed. The cellar area still serves sandwiches and jacket potatoes, but we made for the bistro. We had seen the express lunches advertised at £5.95.

There is a good handrail to help customers up the steps to the bistro. The door was very stiff, but a member of staff was on hand to assist and offer a warm welcome.

This warm welcome was emphasised by the fire burning in the entrance hall and the low settees and table.

We were shown into one of the two rooms making up the restaurant. There were no other customers when we arrived, which could be a bad omen. However, by the time we were ready to leave the venue was quite busy.

In better weather, no doubt the roof-top terrace, which is surrounded by uninteresting buildings and walls but does offer a glimpse of the Minster, would be in use.

There are four periods for eating: 10am to midday is brunch time; midday to 3pm express lunch; 3pm to 6pm high tea, with an a la carte dinner thereafter.

We counted at least ten items on the lunch menu all priced at £5.95, including pine nut and pesto risotto, and slow-baked field mushrooms with chips and béarnaise mayonnaise.

Fish and chips or sausage and mash we could have at home.

Ann requested mariners pie, described as Atlantic prawns and seasonal fish in a white wine sauce. This was a winner being full of fish and not potato, as has happened in other establishments. Served in a bowl it was accompanied by carrots, courgette, peas, peppers and fennel.

The homemade winter stew with herb dumpling that I chose was equally delicious. There was plenty of lean meat with the same variety of vegetables that Ann had been given. In addition, I was provided with two chunks of tomato bread. As for the gravy? Initially, I thought a spoon would be needed, but the dumpling and bread all helped to absorb it.

Complaints, none. Difficulties, one. We agreed that eating out of a bowl with a knife and fork was not easy.

We declined a pudding, tea or coffee on this occasion. For later in the day a classic English cream tea cost £3.95.

Add to that smoked salmon sandwiches and it becomes a classic afternoon tea for £5.95. Or settle for a toasted teacake at £1.95.

We heard other customers ordering homemade fishcakes, onion and goats cheese tartlet and even a Gastro burger. It seems that all tastes are catered for.