AS WE approached this café, we noticed a window table being cleared. On entry we were greeted pleasantly and shown to this strategic spot. As it happened it was the only vacant table.

The start of this visit was quite a contrast from our previous one a few years ago, when the supervisor told us in no uncertain terms what to do with our umbrella!

Two menus were already on the table when we sat down but once we had ordered they were quickly removed, before I could take note of all that was on offer.

Had our visit been timed between 3pm and 6pm we could have opted for the free tea or coffee with homemade cake. This is obviously a ploy to ensure that the cakes are eaten and can be freshly made each day.

The specials board showed spinach and mushroom lasagne, giant Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and vegetables or mince and onion pie with mashed potatoes and carrots. All were priced below £7.

For snacks, beans on toast (£3.75) or scrambled eggs (£3.85) were available.

Ann chose vegetable soup (£3.50) which arrived steaming. We know from experience how hard cafés find it to serve thick soup really hot but The Greenhouse excelled. Ann thought the soup rather bland and sought my opinion. The only flavour I could detect was carrot. Maybe there were other vegetables present but none that we could taste.

My bacon sandwich in brown bread was just that. No garnish, although I have to say the bacon was crispy and had a good flavour.

From the cake selection of coffee, chocolate fudge, treacle tart or banana and toffee, Ann asked for carrot cake. This surprised me after the carrot soup, however she said it was light with a strong flavour.

The apple crumble I tried looked rather stodgy but it tasted remarkably good and was enhanced by ice-cream. I still shy away from custard as being too reminiscent of school days.

We finished with tea (£1.50 per person) and were brought extra hot water without being asked.

I had to ask where the toilets were. They are upstairs behind an unmarked door. Access to the café from the street is level, but the close tables may make it difficult for a wheelchair.

We were impressed by the attention shown by the supervisor and the speed with which staff reacted to customers’ needs.