THE drive from Pickering to Sleights was stunning. The heather on the moors was in full bloom and although there was an autumnal edge to the air the day was almost perfect.

Our mission was to locate a specific shrub which we had been told might be available at Perry's. So with mission accomplished we spotted a bonus in the Garden Caf. The garden centre is found to the north of the village by turning right off the main road once over the bridge.

The caf is situated beside the river. On a cold or dull day you could quite comfortably sit inside. However, we elected to enjoy the fresh air and what was left of the summer.

We ordered at the servery and while awaiting our meal viewed the tranquil scene. Even the appearance of a couple rowing slowly upstream hardly disturbed the surface of the water. A passing train on the far bank was well hidden by foliage and did not intrude.

We ignored the sandwich and other light-bite menu items and looked to the plated offerings. Ann passed over lasagne and quiche in favour of salmon salad. Robust was the word that sprang to mind when the plate arrived. Ann was defeated by the size of the helping and put off by the fish which came complete with bones and skin. Having spotted a sign in the village about local fish Ann expected her salmon to be fresh and not out of a tin.

'Home baking' persuaded me to order steak pie and chips. Not often am I beaten by the size of the portion but this was one such occasion. Maybe people who live to the rural north of the county eat more heartily than we city dwellers!

Having shared a pot of tea for two we were ready to wend our way back to York after paying £10.50 for our snack.

Almost everyone observed the request to clear up and return the crockery to the servery. This eliminated birds which so often flock around customers in open-air settings.