THE location was easy to find. In addition to suspended signs there are logos and arrows on the floor of the shop indicating the way.

Nearer the caf the smell of ground coffee was evident.

This is a self service venue. To the left of the servery new Italian bread sandwiches were on display. We spotted mozzarella cheese and chargrilled vegetables pagnottine (£3.35) and tuna twists (£3.25).

It was mid morning on Sunday and the cafe was already busy. Ann found a table while I queued to select our snack.

Cappuccino came in three sizes at £1.89, £2.19 and £2.45. My guess that Ann would prefer the smallest size proved to be correct. I settled for a standard tea at £1.45. Although ordered and paid for at the counter drinks were delivered to our table. The staff did well to identify customers without providing numbered flags!

There were muffins, scones and a variety of cakes and pastries. Not wishing to seem too indulgent I discounted the chocolate layer cake in favour of a slice of apple and cinnamon (£2.30). This was tasty with both the apple and cinnamon flavours identifiable. It was also nicely moist and light.

My choice of fluted shortbread was less successful (£1.55). It was very dry and instead of halving it with Ann, I was faced with almost the whole piece!

Perhaps next time we might try the muffins and hot chocolate (£1.89 and £2.85).

The caf is air conditioned. Although we did not spot any 'no smoking' signs, no-one appeared to smoke.

Staff were quick to clear the tables when customers departed but did not seem to wipe the table tops. Maybe there was no need!

Round wooden tables make wheel chair access easy (the cafe is at street level) and the padded seats comfortable. There were some settees.

However, from the speed with which people came and went we concluded that this was not really a venue where you would wish, or be expected, to dawdle.