GRAEME ROBERTSON takes a quick eat at the Barbican Centre, York

Ironically we were asked by friends the day after our visit why we hadn't yet tried the Barbican snack bar. Not that they had, but our enigmatic reply no doubt gave us away.

This is a conventional style self service caf located in the foyer of the Barbican Centre. The initial impression was disappointing. Only a few yoghurts, two scones and one doughnut and packed crisps were displayed. Was this evidence of a busy morning or the indication of a little used venue?

Menus were displayed on a series of chalk boards: Kids, all day specials, beverages, cakes, savouries and jacket potatoes.

Ann chose a jacket potato with baked beans (£1.80) whilst I selected a potato with butter (£1.65). In addition for £1.65 I had a danish pastry with a pot of tea. With some effort I found fresh milk as an alternative to the UHT sachets.

By this time Ann was sitting at a table. I paid and then moved past the servery to collect appropriate cutlery. Here I found further menu boards offering freshly made baps and sandwiches. Were customers being deliberately discouraged from ordering these items?

Our respective potatoes arrived. Whilst I would have preferred more butter they were delightfully light with soft skins. My tea pot provided two cups and the pastry was clearly fresh.

A children's menu was priced £1.25 and other items were about average for the York area. One extra we spotted was fresh fruit at 20p per item. Surely a bargain!

It was Friday lunchtime when we visited. Mothers with small children were leaving when we arrived, otherwise the place was quiet. If this is the normal volume of business, can this venture be viable? But with up to three hours free parking, the £1.30 fee was refunded, we found an unexpected bonus. And the town is only a step away.

Venue:The Barbican Centre

Address:Barbican Road, York

Telephone:01904 656688

Reviewed:21/9/98