Pattacakes Tea Room, Main Street, Welburn, near Malton (From York Press)

Pattacakes Tea Room, Main Street, Welburn, near Malton

1:00pm Saturday 8th August 2009 in Food & Drink By Graeme Robertson

IT is encouraging to find another village store burgeoning when so many are closing. This venue was opened almost three months ago by new owners and appears to be going from strength to strength.

Without the obvious sign outside and a picnic table, you might think this is no more than a village shop selling bakery goods.

True so far, but beyond the glass counter and a chill cabinet there is a café. We were lucky to get a table and during our stay there was a steady flow of customers We met friends arriving as we left who were given a verbal rundown of this survey and were keen to test the venue for themselves.

We were so distracted by a display of fresh bread that when an assistant appeared for our order we had not looked at the menu.

Soup at £2.75 was qualified as being available in winter months only. Substantial sounding snacks included ploughman’s and a Pattacakes salad with oak-smoked chicken at £5.70 or gamekeeper’s platter at £5.20.

There were handmade pork pies, Cornish pasties, cheese and plain scones. Tea (£1.50), coffee and hot chocolate (£1.80) made up the hot drinks section.

Ann requested the quiche of the day (£5.20), but no onion please. The assistant returned to say there was onion within the quiche, which did not worry Ann. The verdict was delicious and the neat garnish and coleslaw were appreciated. The spring onion, however, was left when Ann had finished.

Our friend, May, was less adventureous opting for a ham sandwich in white bread but without coleslaw (£3.60). A small dish of pickle came as an alternative, which was appreciated.

The thought of home-baked bread was too much for me and I ordered a ham ciabatta. Have I ever eaten such a fresh, light and tasty snack? I doubt it! The garnish of cucumber, tomato, radish and lettuce (not the ubiquitous leaves) with coleslaw was just right.

Ann was despatched to look at the gateaux and tarts in the chill cabinet, choosing raspberry roulade for herself, but refusing to make a decision on my behalf.

I was faced with an almost impossible task, but selected tangy lemon sponge. Ann was in raptures over her choice. For me, although the sponge had a good flavour, it was a little bit on the solid side. Next time, and there will be a next time, I’ll try something different.

Rounding our snack off with tea for three, the bill came to £21.90.

What else is there to say? Slightly off the beaten track, but Anita and Janet made us very welcome, and if this is the standard of fare provided in the village bakery, maybe we should move to Welburn.