THIS venue which is located above Stonegate Antiques, has changed hands since our last visit. Judging by the number of customers this must be a popular spot.

There are two rooms, one overlooking the street, the other leading to the kitchen and toilets.

The caf is well lit and has a brightly polished wooden floor. Each table has fresh flowers and prints for sale are displayed on the walls.

Staff were quick to clear the glass topped tables and seat new customers. Although a pot of tea (£1.35) and a glass of iced water were quick to appear, service thereafter was slow. However, it was apparent that everyone was served in rotation and food cooked to order.

Our visit coincided with lunch. We contemplated the main dishes but as they were priced from £6.50 we looked elsewhere on the menu.

We wondered about jacket potatoes at £4.25 but thought not. Customers at a neighbouring table were tucking into an English breakfast plus toast, butter and jam, and a drink which looked appetising. This cost £4.75.

Ann decided to branch out and ordered bangers and mash (£4.95). In due course her verdict was "lovely sausages" - sampling part of one I had to agree - and "beautifully fluffy potato". The gravy also passed scrutiny, although she would have appreciated a little more.

I was attracted to the pea and ham soup (£2.95) until I spotted lox and bagel (£4.25). Now here was something different. It turned out to be cream cheese and smoked salmon in a bagel which proved almost impossible to cut. Eventually I discovered that my knife had absolutely no edge to it at all. My choice included a generous garnish of leaves, tomato and crisps.

We would have liked to try the sweets but decided that enough was enough.

All in all a satisfying snack marred only by the customers who made and received mobile phone calls.

Updated: 09:52 Saturday, November 15, 2003