DIVERSIFICATION is certainly the name of the game for this market garden/farm. But first let me guide you there. Towthorpe Lane runs from the A64 near the Hazel Bush towards Strensall. The Farmer's Cart is approximately one mile from the junction.

The neat and attractive entrance passes a pond (Canada geese were in residence), rows of designer lettuce and soft fruit leading to the car park. Essentially this is a farm shop where fresh home-grown vegetables harvested daily are on sale. Home-made cakes and biscuits are also on offer. Bread is baked daily except Mondays when the shop is closed.

In addition we discovered cheeses from two established Yorkshire producers and puddings and ice-cream from equally well known county firms. But our objective was to sample the snack facilities.

Snackers are accommodated at pine tables inside and two outside shaded by umbrellas. We sought refuge from the sun and sat within, by the open door.

Lunches are not served. In fact the menu is simple in the extreme. Tea (breakfast or Earl Grey) is £1.10, a cafetiere of coffee (various blends) £1.40 and hot chocolate £1.10.

Food is limited to scones, butter and jam with or without cream and cake of the day. Selection was not difficult!

The warm scone hadn't been long out of the oven. It was very tasty and accompanied by small pots of butter, jam and cream. The day's cake was Victoria sponge and that too was fresh especially as it was enhanced by cream from the scone. Waste not, want not! With each item came a large and flavoursome strawberry. For all this we paid £5.

No problem with the substantial serviettes and cake forks but we had to ask for milk, probably no more than a lapse. But why we wondered when the teapot provided more than two cups were we each rationed to one sugar sachet each? Not that we are sugar users but we ask on behalf of future customers.

There was a flow of customers through the shop finding their way to the caf area where they were greeted in a pleasant manner. Inevitably we shopped on the way out but surely that was hoped for.

Updated: 08:47 Saturday, July 27, 2002