LAST time we were in this caf was shortly after it opened. On that occasion there was a glaring spelling mistake on one of the wall features. It was obvious that the shopfitters had been back as all was now in order.

This is a self-service caf, although depending on the order you may be given a number to await the emergence of your choice from the kitchen.

Chrome-topped tables mainly had two chairs each. To accommodate four people would be impossible. Look up to the ceiling and you see ducting and pipework reminiscent of a James Bond film.

It was Tuesday and the majority of customers looked to be pensioners seeking value for money.

Ann thought that it was really too early for lunch. She was probably right, but as we had narrowly missed the breakfast menu what was a man to do?

Breakfast is served until 11.30am. Including toast and butter, a six item plateful costs £1.99. Extend that to eight items (£2.29) or ten (£2.59) and it still sounded good value.

Ann ignored the baguettes and sugary cakes, and selected a mince pie which she felt was overpriced at 99p. The servery staff warmed the pie up without it being a problem. However there was a discount when taken with a hot drink so she was well pleased to discover it would only be 49p.

The accompanying cappuccino (£1.30 for a regular, £1.69 a large) was also a winner.

Receiving an apology that breakfast was no longer available, I naively asked for the sausage and Yorkshire pudding. The lunch of turkey breast, two YPs, two sausages, three roast potatoes, stuffing, sprouts and carrots took me rather by surprise. Costing £5.25 I thought it was good value. Expecting the sprouts to be on the soggy side, I was delighted to find them cooked to perfection. Almost clearing my plate Ann was prepared to disown me, but at least I didn't require further sustenance that day.

A small pot of tea (99p) yielded a good mug full, marginally spoilt by the UHT milk. Ugh!

Other items on offer were too numerous to list, but at £4.79 the lasagne looked attractive. You should be able to snack for a fiver quite easily.

Staff were quick to clear tables as they were vacated but not too good at wiping the trays.

We indulged in the psychology of tray selection for a few minutes watching customers work their way through the pile before finding what they deemed to be an acceptable one.

Updated: 16:00 Friday, December 05, 2003