For some time we have been trying to find a way of sampling the platform caf without paying the Railway Museum entrance fee. Then the Government came to our rescue allowing the over 60s free access from the beginning of this month.

The caf, known as Brief Encounter, is run by the catering chain, Milburns. It is operated on a self-service basis. We were there on a busy day but there was plenty of room and tables were cleared promptly.

The food all looked very nice when we inspected the servery. Hot dishes included roast pork with onion and thyme gravy or chicken with bacon, onion and pepper at £5.70.

From the choice of quiche or salmon terrine, Ann selected the former (£5.95). Once at the table, enabling closer inspection, she thought it didn't look very fresh. The potato was badly discoloured and the pastry crust was decidedly soggy. Fortunately it tasted all right.

Being a sucker for soup I took a bowl of celery and fennel (£1.95). Tomato was the alternative. I thought the substantial chunk of bread and butter was included in the price, but when paying discovered that I had been charged an additional 50p.

I fancied one of the advertised baguettes. None available on day of our visit! However, the pre-packed smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches looked and tasted good (£2.35). It came with a slice of lemon inside the packet, the first time I had seen this. But nowhere could I find a date on the packaging so I have no idea by when my lunch should have been eaten. Perhaps being a caf everything is fresh on a daily basis.

Puddings of the day were priced £2.60. You could get away with tea, or coffee and a scone for about the same price, but homemade biscuits were 70p.

The ambience was pleasant if you don't mind people walking past you as they viewed the exhibits (or the contents of your table). Tables, with fresh flowers, were well-spaced out. The inevitable promotional TV screen was not too intrusive.

Even with free entry for children and pensioners this would not be a cheap place to lunch as a family. Scrutinising all our fellow lunchers we were disappointed not to find Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard among their number!

Restaurant: Brief Encounter

Address: National Railway Museum, York

Telephone: 01904 621261

Reviewed: April 29, 2000