LAST time we visited this venue it was described as an organic and exotic caf.

This time it left no doubt in anyone's mind that it specialised in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food.

We were informed that with few exceptions all dishes were nut free.

Inside, there was a miscellany of unusual foods and artefacts on sale. Tables occupied two rooms and there were three small function rooms upstairs.

Although there was a comprehensive menu very few items appeared to be priced.

Perhaps we were slow on the uptake! One price we could be sure about was a gluten-free breakfast dish of Spanish tortilla, cheese, olives with warm bread and salsa (£5.95). Another, seven tapas-sized dishes to share at £25.

A notice outside indicated that food was served on three different-sized plates at £2.45, £3.65 and £6 but I only saw that as we departed.

As it was still late morning Ann could not be persuaded to try anything too substantial. It was too chilly for a salad. Savoury choices included aubergine bake, onion bhaji and falafels (deep fried chick peas).

Scanning the list of desserts, would she be tempted by citrus cheesecake, date or rum and raisin flapjack? Finally it was the carrot cake with a warm orange sauce that was requested. This proved to be a real winner, exceeding expectations.

A jug of freshly-ground coffee (£1.85) completed this simple snack. A strainer prevented the grounds from reaching the cup.

What should I choose to allay the chill? Soup of the day with buckwheat cakes was £3.95. It was thick, spicy sweet potato. Regular readers of this column will know of my aversion to tepid soup. El Piano scored on two counts. The soup was just spicy enough and although very thick it was hot!

Sadly the three buckwheat cakes were tasteless.

I did have a very nice pot of tea which produced three cups (£1.60).

The friendly staff and warm atmosphere made up for the absence of customers. Perhaps it was the weather and post-Christmas lethargy that put people off wandering through the old Quarter.

Our bill came to £11.35, which by a process of elimination meant Ann's carrot cake cost £3.95.

Updated: 16:19 Friday, January 27, 2006