"YOU must sample Boddy's," we were entreated by neighbours, so being in Scarborough for the theatre, we were happy to oblige.

Outside tables and doors thrown open to make the most of the sunshine gave the place a continental air.

This is a self service caf. The service was cheerful and helpful. As we were a party of four, we could cover quite a few items on offer. With the exception of the puddings, everything was made to order.

The first request was for a ham, cheese and tomato toastie, without onions (£3.10), which presented no difficulty. This was served with a salad trim (a change from garnish) which included a scoop of curried rice. One friend couldn't remember the last time he had had a tongue sandwich (£2.60). For him choice was not difficult.

Ann ordered a cheese and tomato toastie in white bread (£2.80), while I enjoyed liver pat and salad. However, I felt the curried rice conflicted with the flavour of the pat.

It was now time to take stock of our surroundings. There were wall menus at both ends of the caf in large enough print to be read at a distance. Steak pie, chicken con carni and lasagne appeared, as well as jacket potatoes and quiches. All were priced within our budget.

Now for a selection of puddings. The date and walnut flan was judged to be a bit on the dry side. The cherry pie with whipped cream could only have been home made from its flavour, and the lemon meringue pie had a strong natural flavour. Being a sucker for Bakewell tart, I felt this was certainly one of the better ones I had tasted. At £1.70 each of the puddings were good value.

There were some old American theatre bills displayed and a timely poster warning: "Who's giving your handbag the eye?" So you can't say you haven't been warned.

We made one mistake choosing a table which turned out to be on the highways to the basement toilets and the dirty dishes hatch. But having said that, for a holiday snack spot it was clean, cheerful and busy, although the tables were fairly close together.

Updated: 09:23 Saturday, August 31, 2002