WE turned our backs on Ascot Races, the champagne and lobsters and headed for the country.

It was market day when we visited Helmsley and the town was buzzing.

Walking from the car park to the square we passed this tearoom.

The caf was busy with customers sitting both inside and out.

The takeaway ice cream counter (is there really a demand for so many flavours?) and homemade chocolate stand was also doing good business. Looking at the chocolate owl, lamb and shoe was as good as a visit to an art gallery.

Despite the summer weather, people were eating both hot and cold dishes. This did not make me feel so bad for starting with mushroom soup and a brown roll (£2.10) in June.

This was tasty and there were plenty of mushrooms in evidence.

Jacket potatoes (£2.90-£3.20), baguettes (£4) and salads (£4.95) could all have tempted Ann.

However she settled for a chicken and tomato sandwich in brown bread (£2.10). For an extra 20p it could have been toasted.

The sandwich was of the no-frills variety. Well filled, it was not accompanied by the usual garnish.

At this stage we might have called it a day, opting for an ice cream. But in the interests of fairness we carried on.

The display cabinet beckoned with Yorkshire bread, Bakewell tarts, yoghurt and museli flapjack, walnut cake, St Clements cake and many more on display.

Ann chose chocolate cake while I selected a slice of coconut and pineapple cake. Each was priced at £1.95.

As always, we shared the spoils and agreed that each really tastedhome made and were on the moreish side.

Tea is priced 50/55p (depending on cup or mug) with coffee at 90/95p. Cappuccino cost £1.30.

So for £9.60 we felt we had received value for money. Although we escaped without buying chocolate or ice cream, we may not be so frugal next time.

This survey was carried out before the flash floods of last week. We should like to extend our sympathy to all those businesses in Helmsley affected by the flood water and can report that thankfully the Ryeburn Tearooms escaped the water.

Updated: 08:35 Saturday, June 25, 2005