YOU might ask why I haven't visited this spot before as it is just down the road from the Press office. So better late than never.

I received a warm welcome despite being a stranger. I say this because everyone who followed me in was either greeted by name or an inquiring "Do you fancy your usual?" This frequently elicited the reply "Oh, go on then!"

What might the usuals be? One wall-mounted menu showed predictable sandwiches or something with chips. On another wall an assortment of breakfasts from the full monty to the modest vegetarian was advertised. All seemed to be reasonably priced and included tea or coffee.

The specials of the day, both priced at £3.25, were sausage casserole, vegetables, potatoes and Yorkshire pudding or fish and chips with peas. I saw a number of substantial platefuls of the casserole being enjoyed.

The sweet board included treacle or jam sponge, cheesecake and apple or rhubarb tart.

Soup and a roll would have set me back £1.40 but the weather was so hot that I decided to miss a starter.

Let me try the vegetarian breakfast, one of the £3 items. The proprietor (?) was at pains to tell me that the sausages were the Linda McCartney variety. They duly arrived with a fried egg, mushrooms, baked beans and two tinned tomatoes. In addition I received two slices of white buttered toast and a mug of excellent tea.

All in all a satisfying repast that meant a pudding would have been sheer gluttony.

Although off the beaten tourist trail, unless spotted by wall walkers, this proved to be a busy little spot. There were no fellow hacks from the Press in sight but I did recognise someone who works for a local solicitor.

Looking for a quick bite another time I am in the area, maybe I too will be asked if I would like my usual!