ON our way to a display of spring flowers at Constable Burton, we passed through Bedale.

Last year, we had been recommended a snack spot in the Market Place, which sadly has now closed.

We spotted the Farmhouse Bakery located on the right travelling west and noted that it was also a caf. It was crowded, but many people were only waiting to buy bread and cakes. This must surely be a good sign.

There were a few tables at one side of the shop with more in an adjoining long narrow room. Although wheel chair access was possible it might be difficult to reach all the tables.

There was a range of food on offer. A full English breakfast (£4.75)headed the menu and a Full Monty (breakfast in a bun) was also available at £4.20.

You could work through toasties, burgers and soup. Steak and kidney or cheese and onion pies were other options. So was a hot roast-beef baguette (£5.25).

You are invited to select cakes from the counter.

Service was quick. Ann requested a cappuccino, £1.60 by the mug, although hers came in a large cup.

I opted for tea at £1.10. Fresh milk was provided in a small jug. As for the teapot, it was a bad pourer. The round open-weave metal table allowed the spillings to hit my legs.

Ann conducted a survey of the cakes, returning to say the choice was so great I must select my own. She was right. What a mouth watering array! Ann's curd tart brought nothing but praise and I was in raptures over a generous piece of picnic tray bake. This had a thick chocolate base with coconut, cherries and dried fruit.

There was a steady flow of bakery customers throughout our visit. The caf was equally busy with attentive staff clearing tables as soon as anyone showed signs of leaving.

The toilets are of a high standard with facilities for the disabled.

I am not sure how much the individual cakes cost, but for £4.60 we had enjoyed a very satisfying refreshment break.

Updated: 16:06 Friday, May 12, 2006