THERE seems to be no end to our discoveries in North Yorkshire villages.
Kilburn, nestling under the Hambleton Hills, is well known for its White Horse. It is also the home of Mouseman Thompson, one of the country's most respected craft companies.
Realising its potential as a tourist attraction, the firm has opened its workshop by creating a viewing gallery. You may just be lucky and see a mouse being carved.
In the visitor centre there are displays of Thompson woodwork, pottery, jewellery and quality foods. If you haven't the cash for these you might just manage to pay for a snack.
The caf is new. Well appointed, the tables and chairs all sport the characteristic mouse. A neat laminated menu itemises the standard fare. Tea £1.50 a pot, coffee £1.80, cold drinks, scones, sandwiches, paninis etc. There is also a specials board.
We both settled for a special. It was too warm for the leek and potato soup with warm chunky bread (£3.20). While the duck liver pate with salad (£4.95) might be nice, other things caught our eye.
Ann ordered a local free-range egg and cress sandwich (£2.50) in a soft brown roll, with side salad. Although it came in brown bread without explanation, it had been freshly made, the yolk was strongly coloured and proved to be a winner.
Making a further visit to the servery Ann selected a piece of lemon cream roulade (£2.50). She said it was delicious but refused to think about the calorie content.
My choice was a mouse cheese platter and side salad (£4.95). A plate arrived with delicate leaves, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, sliced olives, sweet pickle and crisps.
There was also a steaming hot roll just out of the oven. Then came the wooden platter with cheese knife. The menu said Brie, Wensleydale and Cheddar. True, but there were others; Camembert and Gruyere.
I learnt from the assistant that my choice was a new item on the menu and she wasn't sure what to give me. Even although I was a guinea pig I was a satisfied customer.
Cakes and gateaux ranged from flapjack (80p) to fresh apple pie (£3.20). The almond tart (£1.50) I chose was excellent with a strong flavour.
Although we sat inside, there are tables on a patio. This leads on to a terraced garden which rises above building level to give a stunning view of the White Horse.
Updated: 16:35 Friday, June 04, 2004
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