MAXINE GORDON visits the coffee shop at the BAA McArthurGlen designer outlet at Naburn

It is fitting that a designer clothes outlet should have a trendy coffee shop and ice-cream parlour selling made-to-measure food and drinks to suit every taste.

At Coffee Republic, expressos, cappuccinos, latts and mochas come in three sizes and can be dressed up with a dash of flavouring. I had a shot of caramel in my short (small) cappuccino, and it was divine. The mocha was equally lovely, striking the right chord between coffee and chocolate. Not so the cakes. The lemon drizzle cake desperately needed some zest and the chocolate brownie was adequate, but unmemorable.

Eating place:Coffee Republic

Address:McArthurGlen, Naburn, York

Telephone:01904 682700

Reviewed:5/12/98

What we had:Cappuccino with caramel shot, mocha, Lemon Drizzle cake, brownies.

Total cost:£6.29

Value for money:Coffees were fairly priced, but give the cakes a miss