HOW this nursery has grown and improved over time. Only this year has a surprisingly large caf been added. Seating about 80 inside what can best be described as a conservatory, there are further tables outside on the decking.

Tables and chairs are modern and arranged to allow a couple or a party of up to eight to sit in comfort.

Sofas occupy one end of the building, with low coffee tables providing a resting place for a selection of gardening magazines.

Self service is the order of the day. We had only called in for a cup of tea, until we spotted the food. Ann took a fancy to the coffee cake (£1.45) but was worried that it might have been dry. There was no need for concern. It turned out to be light and moist, in fact just right.

The slab of Bakewell tart (95p) I selected was excellent. The pastry was short and there was no doubt about the almond flavour.

Tea, a jug of hot water (without having to ask) and fresh milk were handed to us with matching cups. For a pound a head and three cups of tea each what better value could we find?

A comprehensive menu was chalked up. Daily specials included quiche, steak baguette, beef lasagne and salmon steak. Coming with chips or salad the prices ranged from £2.95 to £3.95.

We thought that the main eating area might be over-heated but a series of ceiling fans kept the air moving.

Ice cream is supplied by Burgess, a well-known family firm. We enjoyed nostalgia when we noticed that it was being dispensed from an old-fashioned tricycle barrow now augmented by an electric chiller.

Suitably refreshed and impressed we joined a queue of slow-moving traffic back to York.