IT WAS too late for lunch and really too hot to eat anything substantial.

As we approached the servery in Woolworths caf, which is at the rear of the store, it seemed practically empty.

Pondering on what to eat, Ann decided she would have one of the few remaining scones while I would try a doughnut. Searching unsuccessfully in the chill cabinet for an icy drink, we were about to have a pot of tea. A helpful member of staff told us more of the afternoon tea offer would be ready in a minute if we could wait. By the time we reached the pay desk they had appeared.

So that is how we both came to be having a scone, jam, freshly whipped cream and either tea, coffee or regular fizzy drink for £1.49. For Ann it was a beaker of icy 7-Up and for me Fanta.

The cold drinks were most welcome and the scones a good size, with plenty of fruit. Ann's verdict was "very nice and better than many we have eaten".

In the absence of alternative items on the servery, I had to rely on the adverts round the walls. Any sandwich and a doughnut (£3.49), chicken and pasta bake plus rice with salad or vegetables (£3.49), two jacket potatoes with any filling (£5.99) and sun-dried tomato and basil with pasta (£3.29) were some of the items that might be suitable for a cooler day.

We were well satisfied with our choice. The caf was as well ventilated as the outside humidity would allow and the venue is entirely non-smoking.

Many of the tables were uncleared when we arrived and this aspect of the caf was a bit slow. However, when they were cleared the tables were thoroughly wiped and the chairs straightened. Tables are far enough apart for customers not to be on top of each other and all the chairs were free standing. This together with a level run in from Coney Street makes wheelchair access excellent.

We did not visit the toilets which are next to the caf but they seemed to be used by the public who were not necessarily using the caf.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, August 09, 2003