WE didn't spot the critique on the wall until we left the caf. Was it really October 1997 since we were last here? This is a brightly-decorated venue with tables set well apart.

The printed menu was supplemented by a chalk board. Where to start?

Soup of the day (£2.95) was chicken and vegetable or country tomato. I chose the former which was delicious. A variety of rolls was offered in a basket and I was asked to make my selection. A nice touch especially as butter came in a little dish. None of that packeted variety here.

Ann ordered warm brie and bacon in a baguette (£3.70). This proved to be hot and tasty. The accompanying salad consisted of tomato, cucumber, red and green grapes, lettuce and yellow pepper. Ann described it as "one of the nicest I've had for ages". What more is there to say?

I intended to follow the soup with a pudding. Ignoring citron tart and chocolate orange cake (£2.90), sticky toffee pudding would be just fine but there was none left. Outrageous, unless its absence was testimony to its popularity with earlier snackers.

In fairness to Ann, as an alternative I chose two slices of toasted fruit loaf (£1.40) for us to share. Another dish of butter came with this tasty morsel.

Ann rounded off her snack with a pot of tea (£1.35) served with extra water and fresh milk. This gave her three good cups. For me a glass of water with ice and lemon was sufficient.

There was a good range of main courses and light bites. In particular we thought a thick milk shake made with dairy ice-cream (£1.90) sounded appetising.

Bakery items are still being supplied by a shop in Shambles.

The door to the caf overlooks King's Square. There a sign says: "Go on! It's not such a long way up the stairs and worth the climb". We agree.

Updated: 08:56 Saturday, March 02, 2002