A NUMBER of readers in Escrick have asked what we thought of the Garden Centre at Osgodby. This was the spur that set us to find out! The venue is easy to find. Located on the A63 about half a mile from the A19.

The coffee shop is quite small with just eight tables. Like the chairs, they were the kind you normally find on a patio.

We saw only one assistant but suspected there was someone else hidden away.

The cafe has a servery at one end and the other sides are marked out with flowers and plants - all artificial!

The menu is limited but there are daily specials. Standard sandwiches cost less than £2 and salads are under £3. Scones and teacakes came in at 75p.

We decided to try the specials.

Ann ordered the pork and stuffing sandwich (£2.50). This proved to be a very fresh white bread cake and with an excellent filling.

My selection was soup (£2): Minestrone together with a freshly-baked roll gave me a good start.

Continuing with the special fare, I asked for cherry and apple crumble (£1.75), which was offered with either custard or cream. Due to a misunderstanding, mine was produced piping hot but without either. This made no difference because the pudding was delicious.

With a pot of tea (£1.90) we shared a slice of lemon sponge and a piece of fruit cake. Both were excellent and clearly home-made.

There was a steady turnover of customers and at one stage all the tables were occupied.

Access for wheelchairs looked to be easy.

Although simple, the quality of the food was very tasty and appeared to be prepared to order.

For £9.45 we felt that we had had good value.

Updated: 09:05 Saturday, January 29, 2005