VISITING a snack venue, the first impression is always important. Here we had easy access from the concourse into a light and well appointed seating area. Tables were clear or being cleaned as we entered.

There was a choice of soft or hard-backed chairs at round tables. Just adequate for three people, the tables were a bit small for a party of four.

The drinks and food menu was displayed on the wall behind the servery. Food items, all described and priced, were in cabinets.

My cousin is easily pleased. She requested soup of the day (tomato at £2.10) which came with a roll and butter. She described it as delicious, doubting that it could have come from a tin. To follow, the apricot and ginger gateaux with cream and grated chocolate (£1.75) set her up for the rest of the day.

Ann debated whether to have the chicken salsa panini or tuna and cheese toastie. The toastie won. It was brought to our table in due course and Ann's comment was "very nice". A pecan pastry (£1.25) was also well received. A regular hot chocolate (£1.70) was acceptable but did she miss out on the cream topping? Maybe the accompanying Thornton's chocolate was by way of compensation.

I looked at the pre-packed sandwiches. Prawn, chicken and BLT were displayed. Selecting the latter (£2.85) turned out to be a good choice. The bread was soft, the bacon nicely crisp with just the right proportion of lettuce and tomato.

Ann was horrified at my choice of white and dark chocolate cheesecake with cream (£1.75). But who is counting calories? It was rich and delicious.

Hot beverages were served in attractive individual pots. Tea cost £1.10 to £1.80, with varieties of coffee ranging from £1.25 upwards. Cold drinks were also available.

Fruit or cheese scones, various gateaux, cheesecakes and tray bakes were all there to tempt. Even Belgian waffles at £2.45.

We were in agreement. This was a welcome haven in the normal bustle of the designer centre. Pity about the open ceiling where all the ducting was revealed.

Updated: 08:29 Saturday, August 07, 2004