WE wouldn't normally choose to be in the city on a bank holiday but this was a case of needs must.

This caf appears small from the street. There are only three tables on the ground floor sharing an open hatch for the sale of soft ice cream.

But there are two upper floors with further tables.

A printed menu quickly appeared. With the sunshine warming our window table we decided it was too hot for the soup (£3). Salad might have been the obvious choice but Ann thought that an English jacket potato would suit her.

I selected a bacon and brie toasted sandwich (£3.50). We would both have tea. No fancy flavour please just plain English breakfast.

Within minutes a staff member was at our side to say that although there were more potatoes in the oven it would be at least 20 minutes before they were ready.

Rather than risk an undercooked snack Ann switched her order to ciabatta with chicken, brie and mango chutney (£5). This proved an excellent selection coming with a lettuce, cucumber, tomato, orange and coleslaw garnish.

My sandwich was equally acceptable with tasty bacon and plenty of cheese.

Individual teapots (£1.50) gave us more than two cups each. We were however rather taken aback to find what we thought was cabbage in one of the pots. It turned out to be green tea which had apparently escaped the washing process!

We filled the time between ordering and receiving our snacks by watching the people in the market. Sadly there were a number of litter louts who found it less bother to drop food and drinks cartons on the ground than seek a bin. Fortunately most people showed great responsibility.

Slogans on T-shirts were another diversion. We are not prudes but wondered what message some of the wearers were trying to get across.

During our recent holiday in New Zealand we enjoyed many snacks. Most were taken in the fresh air overlooking sea, lakes or mountains but all in glorious sunshine.

Was the weather this bank holiday a forerunner of what we hope is to come in York in the weeks ahead? Let's hope so.

Updated: 08:57 Saturday, June 04, 2005