WHEN a new place opens it is always difficult to decide how soon after we should visit.

Encore has been in existence about two months, however from the outside you would be excused if you thought that the encompassing hotel was still being fitted out.

Although the venue is light and airy with a high ceiling and modern artwork, the wooden floor, stark stools, chairs and settee make it rather impersonal. Internet access points are provided.

We were the sole occupants and yet it was difficult to distract the staff from domestic chores to serve us.

Menus on the tables itemise the coffees available. Caramel macchiato and espresso con panna were two unusual varieties.

Sandwiches were listed as traditional wedges, assorted filled ciabatta, cracked wheat roll and tomato bread roll.

Asking what the sandwich fillings were I was referred to a chill cabinet. The selection was minimal but all were wrapped and labelled.

Ann selected a cracked wheat roll with chicken, ham, mayonnaise and lettuce (£2.60) which she said she enjoyed.

I was equally pleased with a bacon, lettuce and tomato ciabatta (£2.60) but less than happy to discover that it contained mayonnaise. An ingredient that was not listed on the label.

Ann had a slice of lemon cake (95p) which she said was lacking in flavour. The luxury cappuccino flavour muffin (£1.20) I had was excellent.

Ann's standard cappuccino (£1.95) was spot on but she was left wondering just how much bigger a large cup could be! My pot of tea (£1.55) was refreshing. It was drunk from a large cup. The accompanying saucer had the words 'chill out' written backwards on it. Odd!

We found the music intrusive. Perhaps had more people been in (only one other person appeared in our 45-minute visit) the sound might have been absorbed.

I wonder how indicative the food on the coffee bar is of that which appears in the hotel. Our sandwiches bore labels of a firm from Scunthorpe and the cakes were made in Coventry.

Updated: 09:20 Saturday, August 24, 2002