THINKING of having a trip out into the country? If so, head for Huggate, a village nestling on the edge of the Wolds. Better still make for the caf, which opens from 10am Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. To be on the safe side you could phone 01377 288468 to check that the venue is open.

The welcome was warm. So was the atmosphere with a fire burning in the grate. Fortunately for us the forge was not alight or we would have melted.

The single-roomed caf combines food preparation, a craft display and seating for about 20. Tools and products of the smith's trade decorate the walls and ledges. There is also an extensive collection of burnished blow lamps.

Printed menus and two chalkboards set out what is available.

Ann couldn't resist the chicken and bacon casserole (£4.50). This came in a small ovenproof dish served on a rectangular shaped fluted plate. With plenty of chicken, bacon and mushroom and adequate gravy, Ann remarked that this was "one of the tastiest snacks this year". It was served with a homemade roll. To round off her snack Ann debated whether to try the banana or lemon loaf (95p), or chocolate cake (£1.10). However, the stem ginger cake (£1) won the day. It was light and disappeared quickly with no crumbs falling my way!

I started with country vegetable soup (£2.25), which was creamed and acceptably hot. The accompanying roll was warm and horseshoe shaped. Fresh butter came in a small dish. None of those wrapped pats in this village!

Spotting oatcakes on the specials board, and being a Scot, my selection was easy. Described as bacon and cheddar-filled Blacksmith oatcakes (£2.95) I had a preconceived idea of what to expect. Wrong! What came on another of those attractive plates was what I would describe as two small pancakes with a hot filling. There was also a perfectly presented garnish, including coleslaw. Whatever description the dish had, it was delicious.

Other snackers were enjoying daintily presented sandwiches as an alternative to Wensleydale with cranberries Blacksmith's lunch (£3.95) or a cream tea at £2.85, which were just some of the things on offer.

This venue was well worth the journey and we shall contrive a reason to make a return visit.

Updated: 08:32 Saturday, April 10, 2004