DESCRIBED as 'Tadcaster's own Yorkshire tearoom', Tykes proved to be a busy venue.

Friendly staff gave all arrivals, both regular and casual, a cheery welcome.

This was emphasised by Avril and Hugh through a message on the menu.

The menu was as we expected. Sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, cakes and drinks were all there.

The specials board offered basil and tomato soup (£2.15), garlic mushrooms and chilli bake topped with cheddar cheese (£4.55) and cottage pie (£4.95).

We debated the difference between cottage and shepherd's pie and concluded that one was beef based, the other lamb. But at Tykes on the day of our visit it was salmon and broccoli cottage pie.

No worry. This was to be Ann's choice and a good one it turned out to be.

Warned that the plate was very hot (something we never object to) the accompanying garnish included grapes and set off the pie to perfection.

Would I be as lucky? Selecting the ploughman's platter with pat (Wensleydale cheese was an alternative) I was delighted. The pat had a good flavour and was well received together with the daintily-prepared salad garnish. Chutney and coleslaw were offered.

There was a choice of roll from a bread basket and the butter came in a dish.

While we were eating, Hugh circulated among customers and then restocked the cake and pudding display cabinet. Ann subsequently viewed the selection.

Her choice was toffee cake and mine St Clements. Both cost £1.75 and were just a tad (good word considering the location of the caf) on the dry side. Nevertheless, we felt satisfied with our lunch which cost £13.35.

Customers ranged from a child in a high chair to teenagers and the retired.

Tea (90p a pot) and coffee (£1) were very reasonably priced. Double egg on toast (£1.70) and Welsh rarebit with Yorkshire cheese in Taddie beer (£4.30) also caught our eye.

This caf has been converted from a house. There are three rooms, one with a black-leaded fireplace and beams. Tables have fresh flowers and individual menus. You are requested not to smoke.

Although situated on the High Street, the caf can be accessed from a large and free car park at the rear.

Updated: 16:30 Friday, July 15, 2005