ACADEMICALLY Kings Manor may be the hub of York city centre, but certainly not geographically. Tucked in the corner of Exhibition Square, the Refectory is not the place you would stumble across by accident.

This venue is accessed up a flight of stone steps which opens up into a light self-service restaurant.

A quick glance at the clientele suggests that some may be university staff, some probably students and, hopefully, others like us, members of the public.

Ann was otherwise engaged so I press-ganged a colleague into joining me. He was quick to tell me that he was no stranger to the Refectory and had found it good value on previous trips. What would I think?

There is a display cabinet with wrapped sandwiches, salads (mackerel or ham) and cold puddings. Determining prices was not always easy with the exception of the daily specials.

My colleague selected honey-glazed pork in garlic, together with roast potatoes, sprouts and diced swede, advertised at £3.65. His verdict was tasty, with an excellent flavoured light garlic sauce and the taste of honey evident.

I was equally pleased with the mushroom stroganoff and rice. I even managed to sneak a potato and a few sprouts. The rice was well cooked and there were plenty of mushrooms.

In the interests of our readers, we should really have sampled the puddings, but we were both satisfied with the one course.

Seating is at tables of eight which gave me the opportunity to see what others were eating. One lady made short shrift of soup (leek and potato I think), followed by a fruit crumble with custard. Another pair seemed to be enjoying cheesecake.

Customers are asked to clear their dishes away when they have finished. A suitable racked trolley was available and this was removed to the kitchen at regular intervals. Although you can be assured of vacant tables without dirty dishes, I did think one or two could have done with a quick wipe.

It was difficult to judge just how cheap or expensive this venue is. Students and members of the senior common room get a discount so wouldn't have paid £3.65 for a main course. But at the full price we both agreed it was good value.

Updated: 09:53 Saturday, December 14, 2002