THE last time I was in these premises it was to buy shoes. Now all has changed! This proved to be a busy take-away snack bar with the option of eating in. There are a limited number of stools overlooking Jubbergate with additional seating upstairs.

The extensive range of pre-packed sandwiches and cakes is displayed along one wall. Payment is made at the counter where coffee and tea is dispensed.

Be warned, two prices are quoted depending on whether you intend to eat in or take away. Here was another venue where I was puzzled by the bill - £7.19 seemed to be less than the prices advertised.

We were given a stainless steel tray which eased the trip from counter to seat.

Ann spotted an interesting sandwich of avocado, parmesan, pine nuts and roquette leaves and found it a delicious combination. She also sneaked a bit of the applecake I had chosen. She found the food fresh and tasty, but was less complimentary about my filter coffee, saying it was too strong. For me, it was just right.

I tried the all-day breakfast in sandwich form. This included egg, bacon, tomato, cress and mayonnaise. It proved to be very moist and quite a challenge to eat with dignity. A similar difficulty existed with the applecake which, being so fresh, crumbled easily.

The more unusual items I spotted were sandwiches with crayfish and roquette or chargrilled peppers and red onion, as well as vegetarian sushi, Moroccan couscous and pretzels (President Bush beware).

The clientele was predominantly young people or families. When a table was vacated, staff promptly appeared to clear away debris.

The festive season was over but we were heartened to see serviettes advertising a donation of 10p to the charity, Crisis At Christmas, for each Christmas sandwich purchased.

Updated: 08:52 Saturday, January 19, 2002