THIS venue is on the A64 about three miles beyond the eastern end of the city bypass. Parking is plentiful. Should you not wish to dally, a take-away service is also provided.

Thinking this would be a dedicated caf, we were interested to discover that fish is not necessarily the order of the day.

Vegetable lasagne or broccoli and cheese bake (both £5.95) were on the lunchtime menu. So was poached salmon fillet in a prawn and white sauce with chips or new potatoes (£7.45).

But we had come for the house fare and were delighted to find a special over-60s lunch menu. The cost: £5.95 for two courses or £7.50 for three.

The soup of the day was seafood chowder. An allergy put this out of bounds for me and Ann thought it might be a bit too spicy for her.

So it would be haddock, chips, mushy peas, tea (or coffee) with bread and butter. We opted not to have the peas.

A pot of tea, plenty hot water and fresh milk arrived quickly. This was soon followed by an oval plate with fish and a good helping of chips.

There was a sensibly-sized wedge of lemon and Ann accepted the offer of tartar sauce. This was served in a dish.

Bottles of tomato ketchup, HP sauce and vinegar were on each table. None of those messy sachets in this establishment.

The quality of the food was good and the portions about right.

Ann spotted the sweet menu displayed on the wall. It included spotted dick and lemon meringue pie (her favourite).

However disappointment! The over 60s were only offered trifle, apple tart, chocolate fudge cake or strawberry cheesecake. The other items were for customers paying the premium rate.

We settled for the cheesecake and apple tart. Both came with pouring cream, were of good quality and suitably complemented the first course. For less than six pounds we felt we had good value.

The venue is light and airy. Decor is simple with attractive, wall-mounted plates with fish motifs. There was a colourful floral display at each window.

The polished floor was immaculately clean, tables cleared promptly by attentive staff.

The owners were in evidence, always a good sign. One drawback - there is a step to negotiate on entry.

Updated: 08:41 Saturday, January 22, 2005