Run the gauntlet of the jars of old fashioned and unusual sweets, plus the hand-made chocolate, and you will find a small secluded caf. The menu is limited but should suffice the snacker. How many times had we passed the sweet shop without realising it was also an eating spot?

The shop staff are attired in black dresses with old fashioned white starched aprons. By contrast, the proprietor wore contemporary garb. The tables were covered in linen cloths which reminded me of an age past.

Apart from a range of coffees and many varieties of teas, the main thrust of the menu is toasted sandwiches and gateaux. All the toasted sandwiches were priced £2.95, irrespective of the chosen combination of cheese, tomato, ham and tuna. Ann asked for a cheese and tuna in white bread whilst my choice was cheese, ham and tomato in brown. They arrived garnished with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and coleslaw.

In the time it took to prepare the sandwiches, individual pots of Yorkshire tea came (£1 each) which provided us with two cups each. I am sure if we had asked for hot water, it would have been provided.

The menu mentioned toasted teacakes, scones, doughnuts, Danish pastries and flapjack. But two especial items were capachino and walnut roulade and something described as Nothing But Chocolate, both priced at £1.95. Regrettably neither were available.

To fill a corner, I had the choice of strawberry, lemon or fruits of the forest gateaux. I tried the latter which came with fresh cream and good it was too. Even better when I questioned the charge of 95p on the bill to be told that gateau and tea came at the special price of £1.95.

So all in all this was a satisfying snack. Even though the venue seems to be tucked away there was a steady stream of customers, including one of York's well known buskers.

And seeing you asked, yes I was tempted on the way out and succumbed to the sweets!

Cafe:Hamilton's

Address:24 Pavement, York

Telephone:01904 629993

Reviewed:March 25, 2000