WE still hadn't got used to the continual heat when we visited Ripon and stumbled on this venue in an exhausted state.

I hope that Kirkgate is the correct address, because we had difficulty finding a street name.

The caf is down a passageway (menus boards indicate the way). There is the option to sit in a conservatory or in a paved garden. The garden was full, but despite the fan, the heat in the conservatory was unbearable. Luckily a shaded table in the garden was being vacated or we might have gone elsewhere.

The outdoor tables were marble-topped and the chairs heavy wrought iron. Efficient waitresses managed to keep tables cleared as customers departed and before more arrived. One disadvantage of sitting outside on a hot day: the kitchen window was wide open and we were regaled with the personal conversations of those preparing orders.

The menu invited us to see the blackboard for the hot meal of the day. Hot meal in this heat! No thank you. Chicken breast and stilton or chicken breast with lemon, both priced £4.50, were available. So was a more seasonable salad, including prawns or chicken at £3.95.

The fillings for sandwiches and baguettes included tuna, home roast ham, chicken breast or beans. Beans in a sandwich, that's a new one!

Ann requested a cream cheese and tomato sandwich which was one combination not on the menu. This was no trouble and came with coleslaw, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, grapes and sliced apple. I chose a bacon and cream cheese baguette, equally garnished. We found both sandwiches delicious.

The menu offered cakes at £1.30, but when asked what was available I think the waitress reeled off the puddings. Not to worry. The coconut tart I had with cream, although warm, was good.

Our pot of tea and hot water gave us enough liquid on this lovely day.

I suppose there had to be a first time. Included in the list of cold drinks I spotted 'jug of iced water 70p'. Can't recall having to pay for tap water anywhere else.

Our snack cost £8.35 and we left refreshed inwardly if still somewhat hot.

Updated: 08:47 Saturday, August 16, 2003