AFTER an invigorating walk on Filey Brigg, we journeyed to Scarborough.

Seeking an alternative to turkey, we remembered a suggestion from Foxwood readers. Fish and chips!

The caf is on the first floor. There is no lift. The caf was busy when we arrived for a late lunch. However many customers were leaving. The energetic staff cleared tables quickly and welcomed arrivals with friendly greetings. But to be called "darling" is perhaps not quite my style.

Don't worry, you are not forced to eat fish. Homemade steak and kidney pie (£5.20) and chicken breast with chips and peas (£4.35) are also on offer.

There was a winter special for £6.35, featuring a choice of starter: soup, deep-fried mushrooms, prawn cocktail or scampi. Then a medium haddock was followed by sherry trifle or bread and butter pudding. A giant haddock would set you back £6.55.

We had timed our arrival to perfection. At 1.30pm a senior citizens' special at £4.95 becomes available. This would do us fine.

To start, we were offered cream of chicken soup or fruit juice. The soup was thick, tasty and piping hot. The buttered brown and white bread was fresh and not in the least doughy.

Attentive staff (and there were plenty of them) removed our empty soup bowls and quickly returned with haddock and chips. Sauces were there for the asking.

How long since the fish left the sea? Not long by the taste. How refreshing to eat really fresh fish. And the chips were excellent.

And there was more! Bread and butter pudding or ice-cream. We both chose ice-cream with toffee sauce rather than strawberry or chocolate.

We must not forget the pot of tea which made for a very satisfying lunch.

The average age of the customers had now risen. We were not the only people taking advantage of the excellent value and quality provided by the senior ctizens' special.

One drawback. The toilets were up another floor.

The location of this caf is conveniently placed for the Stephen Joseph Theatre with last orders being taken at 6.30pm.

Updated: 16:23 Friday, January 06, 2006