Despite the Scandinavian sounding name you might be hard pressed to find genuine smorgasbord here. True, there were open sandwiches as well as the usual British style, but conventional fare was readily available.

My colleague chose a jacket potato (£4.15). With a filling of coronation chicken, rice, cucumber, carrot and lettuce, the verdict was favourable but perhaps lacking in seasoning. He recognised that this was a personal view and I noted that despite the comment a clean plate soon appeared!

It is almost six years since I was last in the Danish Kitchen and my records show that the price of this item has increased by about £1.50.

Mulligatawny soup is not a favourite of mine so the farmhouse vegetable was definitely for me. The option of brown or white roll and butter or Flora was offered. The soup was certainly very hot and flavoursome so scored highly.

Missing out a main course I was attracted by the rhubarb tart on display. Would I like it with cream? "Yes please". Inevitably the pastry crust was on the hard side (how is it Ann never produces a pastry like that?), however there was plenty of fruit with just the right degree of tartness. My two courses cost £4.70.

Walking past the venue you may not realise just how extensive the seating area is.

The low ceiling in the main area could be oppressive to some people. We chose to sit right at the back in what might be described as an atrium. This non-smoking area was pleasant with plenty of light and air.

Updated: 08:35 Saturday, March 30, 2002