THERE are three steps at the entrance which could mean difficulty for some would-be snackers.

To avoid disappointment for others, there were no obvious gluten-free items on the menu.

Two window tables provide an elevated view of the street entertainers in Kings Square.

A further window table upstairs gives an even better view.

For the light snackers, tea (£1.50), coffee (£1.95 to £2.25), toasted teacake (£1.50) and scones at £1.95 or £2.45 with cream would all be within a modest budget.

It was too late for a mini Yorkshire breakfast (£4.95).

Even the full blown variety, The York (£7.50), The Square (£6.50), or the vegetarian version at £4.95 were for another occasion.

We looked at the starters. Soup of the day (onion £3.95) and chicken liver paté at £4.95 were possibilities. And when did I last sample eggs Benedict?

I thought Ann might have opted for the creamed chicken and mushrooms on rustic wholemeal toast (£5.95) but when she spotted smoked haddock fishcakes and salad, that was it.

Two fishcakes arrived which fully met with Ann’s approval. The accompanying salad of leaves, green pepper, cucumber, celery, coleslaw and tomato was an excellent addition.

And we must not forget the slices of apple. We knew it was a Granny Smith, the label was still on the skin! The two chunks of rustic bread that came with the fishcakes found their way on to my plate.

I couldn’t have been more pleased with my choice of three thick slices of black pudding served on bread. At £4.25, it was excellent value and very satisfying.

Extra hot water gave us as much tea as we could drink.

In the interests of research we should have tried either a piece of gateau or carrot cake, but price (£3.25) would have bust our budget.

Although the ground floor was busy, we were on our own for most of the time upstairs, disturbed only by rather loud music.