Graeme Robertson recalls some of his favourite snacking outings of 2005.

Despite an extended spring holiday, Ann and I managed to sample 42 Quick Eats last year.

As usual we discovered some gems within easy travel of York. Sadly this year we encountered our worst experience in ten years snacking. This venue also came under the scrutiny of one of the national papers. Its journalist confirmed our views!

Despite regular comments in this column that first impressions are important, still too many cafs are still slow to clear tables. Hot food on cold plates is another dislike, as is the serviette placed between an oozing toasted teacake and the plate. Our crusade will continue.

Countywide, market gardens and nurseries have expanded into the caf business. Some serve no more than a drink, cake and biscuits.

However the Orchid House attached to Vertigrow Nursery on the Malton Road provided us with an enjoyable break in pleasant surroundings. The orchid we purchased continues to thrive.

Responding to a reader's comment that Bullivants in Blake Street, York had changed hands, we visited. Having been wrongly informed we were delighted to find the management the same. The venue was as good as ever and surpassed itself with its variety of sandwich fillings.

Both Marks & Spencer cafs received our attention this year. First, in the summer at Monks Cross and quite recently in Piccadilly on a busy Saturday. As we expected the quality and efficiency in both venues was high.

Tadcaster doesn't offer the same range of shops as some other small towns, but it does have free parking. And the car park is only a stone's throw from Tykes Tearoom. Here you can experience friendly service, good quality and, above all, excellent value.

There is adequate parking in Harrogate close to the main shopping area. We thought the tearoom in Westminster Arcade, Parliament Street, provided an interesting menu from breakfast through morning coffee and lunch to afternoon tea.

Harlow Carr Gardens at Harrogate makes for a pleasant outing. The bonus is the caf or adjacent restaurant which offers the 'complete Bettys experience' - whatever that is.

Bettys featured again when we had supper in the York caf. Apparently this venue was modelled on the panelling and general ambience of the Cunard liner, the Queen Mary. For sheer elegance and quality of care and food is there better?

Once again we had a good year. Our thanks go to those readers who have written to us with suggestions or passed them on verbally.

We have a long list of as yet unsampled venues and hope to get round as many as we can in the New Year.

Updated: 16:23 Friday, January 06, 2006