DRIVING north from Wetherby on the A1, the sign is quite clear. Coffee Stop. Entering the Bridge Hotel we followed the signs eventually ending up in a dark panelled bar. Our inquiry was confirmed. "Yes, this is where you can have coffee".

Asking what there was to eat we were politely told we could choose from the menu at 10.30am. Fifteen minutes to go!

There was a limited selection of sandwiches in plain or ciabatta bread priced from £3.50 to £5.85.

Hot roast of the day could be provided in a sandwich. Among the specials, we spotted goats cheese and avocado toastie.

Breakfast at £6.95 was served until 10am.

Here to sample the wares, Ann asked for a scone with whipped cream and jam (£2.50). I selected a bacon bap, which with a pot of coffee cost £4.75.

"Could we have a jug of hot water and another cup so Ann could share the coffee?" I asked. No problem.

After ten minutes, the waitress reappeared to apologise. She had forgotten to ask me to pay £8.25. Five minutes later she was back to say there were no scones. They don't usually serve bar snacks until lunch time. But she felt sure there would be a toasted teacake.

It took more than half an hour from our original order to delivery. Having said that, the food was tasty and fresh. Ann was provided with both a butter packet and a sachet of Flora for her teacake. My bap contained plenty of lean bacon together with a generous helping of crisps and salad garnish.

By now there were two other couples in the bar having coffee which, at £2.50 per person, came with a plate of biscuits. I know that fast food and chain outlets abound on major roads. However, having drawn our attention to coffee and light bites, the choice was disappointing.

Full marks must go to the waitress who was clearly well-trained in customer care.

We took the opportunity to inspect the facilities the Bridge offered. The toilets adjacent to the bar were excellent. Two function rooms were attractive and the restaurant a delight with an appetising menu.