York Tearooms and Chocolate Gift Shop

After an excellent and most interesting visit to the museum we set off in search of some refreshments. Two cafs were already full with people we recognised, but a third was remarkably empty. Why? It is centrally located and equally handy for the museum.

This venue has an olde worlde charm. Bunches of dried flowers hang from walls and ceiling; an ancient bird cage is suspended from a beam and a wooden hat-stand reminds us of years gone by.

Bright-checked tablecloths adorn the tables. Depending on the time of day I could foresee my mouth would water!

Smoked sausage and pepper omelette with salad (£5.25), warm tartlet of asparagus, peppers and goat's cheese (£4.95), Yorkshire cream tea or better still afternoon tea (£5.50). This latter offering provided ham or chicken sandwiches, scones, preserves and cream.

Just a brief snack mid afternoon always presents a problem. Should we try the spicy pear and plum tart or a carrot and walnut muffin?

A pot of tea was essential. At £2 and with the accompanying hot water it gave us almost four cups each. But the cups? German crockery! There is nothing xenophobic about us but we do have some excellent china manufacturers in the country.

Ann was delighted with a freshly-toasted teacake (95p) while I enjoyed a toasted cinnamon muffin (£1.25).

Before leaving, two things caught our eye. First, the interesting collection of old plates. But most unusually, a basket of soft toys which was available to distract children while the adults relaxed over their snack.

Being strong minded for once we did not investigate the chocolate gift shop aspects of the business!

Restaurant: York Tearooms and Chocolate Gift Shop

Reviewed: May 15th, 2000