VISITING Castlehill hospitals to the west of Hull is not an activity we relish. However the chore could be eased in future by a snack spot we have discovered.

The village of Skidby boasts the only complete example of an East Riding windmill still working. In the courtyard next to the mill, what seems to have been a barn is now a modern and well patronised caf.

Pine furniture is set off by a smart wooden floor. The beams support a variety of corn figures and birds.

Fresh flowers adorn each table and there is a no-smoking policy.

Snacking with friends, we hoped to sample a range of the menu. Pasta bowl (£2.95), free-range egg and chips (£3.75), omelettes, sandwiches and much more are available although nothing unusual caught our eye.

Ann chose the prawn and melon salad bowl (£3.75). The bowl was large with a generous helping of prawns and plenty of melon. The salad of mixed leaves, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, grapes and a variety of peppers left Ann totally satisfied with both the quantity and quality of the food. She even had time to praise the accompanying bread roll.

Friend Paddy ordered a ham and mushroom omelette with salad (£3.95) and a small portion of chips. Can't imagine what a large portion would look like! We could see that the omelette was well filled and was judged good.

Our other friend, John, matched my selection of bacon and brie in ciabatta bread (£4.50) also with salad and chips.

John cleared his plate but claimed the bread had been a bit hard going.

I had no complaints and with the excellent salad and freshly-cooked chips, supplemented by some from Paddy, found it most acceptable.

John could not resist a piece of chocolate cake with cream.

Out came Ann's trusty tape measure to discover that the portion measured four inches in all dimensions!

Trencherman John devoured the lot! Not to be outdone I enjoyed a modest vanilla ice-cream. Our snack for four cost just over £21.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this family-run venue offers breakfast, coffee, lunch and afternoon tea with home-made cakes and pastries.

To be on the safe side perhaps you should book on 01482 847831.

Updated: 09:04 Saturday, July 26, 2003