Holgate Caf

1-5 Acomb Road, York

THIRD time lucky! On previous visits I have found this venue to be closed despite the indication that food was available all day. As the Carriage Works no longer exists, I wondered where this caf drew its custom. There were workmen in for a butty or breakfast, people I would judge to be in the retired class and a lady with a grandchild.

Ordering a standard rather than a large breakfast from the servery, I chose to use an annexe which I hoped was the non-smoking area. No sooner had I sat down than a mug of tea arrived. This was one of the most refreshing beverages I had had for a long time.

The brief menu on the table indicated that in addition to breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, vegetarian choice, pie dinner, burger meals and fish 'n' chips were there for the asking.

The note on the menu that suppliers had been contacted to ensure GM-free ingredients impressed.

I didn't have to wait long for my food. The plate contained two sausages, two lean bacon rashers, an egg, baked beans and tinned tomato.

Soon after, came two slices of buttered toast. All this for only £2.50. While eating, I had an elevated view of activity at the junction of Acomb and Poppleton roads, both funnelling traffic towards the city. Where, I mused, were all these vehicles going to park?

Regular readers of this column will know I have a hobby horse or two. For once I am not on about variations of cappuccino! This time it is cold plates. Every commercial kitchen I have visited has an excess of one thing - heat. Why then can it not be used to heat the plates? Had I been a slow eater my breakfast at the Holgate may well have congealed on the plate.

As I said in my opening, there was a steady flow of customers all receiving a cheery welcome from the staff who managed to take orders accurately while watching the Olympics on TV.