ALTHOUGH it was lunchtime this venue was empty when we entered. Could this be a bad sign?

We had hardly glanced at the detailed menu before an assistant came for our order. We asked for more time.

The range of food was extensive and vegetarian items were clearly marked.

Provencettes (Provencal herb bread) at £3.95 to £4.25 came with a variety of fillings. So did practically everything else.

French onion and soup of the day were both priced £2.50. The thick carrot and coriander soup was an inspired choice. It arrived steaming, croutons floating on top and with two pieces of a soft baguette thoughtfully sliced to assist the buttering process.

As far as Ann was concerned, the soup was quite sufficient. The surfeit of seasonal fare was obviously controlling her appetite!

I found it difficult to decide what else to try. I could not imagine what a pizza baguette with various fillings and topped with mozzarella cheese would taste like, but decided not to find out.

However the pastry basket with spinach and cheese sounded appetising and was not something I could remember sampling before. I was not disappointed.

Having asked for it to be heated it arrived with a garnish of lettuce, tomato, onion and coleslaw. At £3.45 I was satisfied.

A number of specials were advertised. Rhubarb tart with cream at £3.20 including tea or coffee sounded good value. So did three mini pastries with a drink at £2.65.

By the time we had finished our snack the caf was quite busy. Attentive staff cleared tables promptly and took orders without delay.

Customers ordering filled baguettes were presented with generous-looking portions.

In response to inquiries received from readers, we asked what gluten-free food was available.

In this venue it would appear to be French onion soup plus any filling with mayonnaise to which a salad could be added.

A notice on the window indicated that there were 42 more seats pstairs.

Up I went to investigate and to check out the toilets at the same time.

Apart from the stairs, the toilets were acceptable but it did not look as if the upper floor was in regular use.

There was plenty of room downstairs and the caf does provide a take away service.

Updated: 15:38 Friday, January 13, 2006