When this series of snack surveys started four years ago we had no idea how many venues we would find.

Only one place has been visited twice and that was because we wrongly thought it had changed hands.

As this is the 100th snack report it seems fitting that we should revisit the place where it all started. So here we are back in Penny's. What has changed?

Certainly not the quality and standard of service. Four years ago the caf was on the ground floor only. Now the basement has been opened up with no sense of claustrophobia.

Because the venue is good it is popular. At mid-day we had a short wait for a table. On our departure there was a queue out of the door.

We started with home made leek and tomato soup, freshly baked French bread with real butter costing £2.85.

Then came a cottage cheese, fruit and walnut open sandwich which was attractively garnished and very satisfying (£4.10).

Our English breakfast tea arrived in separate six sided pots, together with jugs of hot water and fresh milk. At £1.25 per pot, it was identical to the price four years ago.

To round off the snack Ann had an apricot and hazelnut scone with butter (£1). This was freshly baked and still warm. I opted for fruit cake, cheese and apple which came with a cake fork!

The standard menu contains the usual range of toasts, hot croissants, bread, scones, open and closed sandwiches.

There is a variety of Feasegate salad bowls containing Craster smoked salmon and prawns (£4.65), cottage cheese (£4.40) and Mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil (£4.15).

The daily special board suggested, baked potato, prawns and cottage cheese (£4.50) and apple granny cake (£1.95) amongst other tasties.

The staff were attentive, with management much in evidence. Customers were not allowed to sit down until the tables had been thoroughly and quickly cleared.

Four years ago we said that we would be visiting again. Indeed we have on a number of times with friends. The quality on those occasions was no different from this, our formal visit, excellent!

Restaurant: Penny's

Address: 10 Feasegate, York

Telephone: 01904 613606

Reviewed: January 9, 1999