GRAEME ROBERTSON takes a quick eat at the Jorvik Viking Museum

LAST time we were in this exact spot it was the museum shop. Now revamped and sponsored by Nestl (you only have to look at the wall decorations to realise that) it is a pleasant haven.

Initially we thought this self service caf only provided coffee (95p to £1.30), tea (95p), wrapped cakes and biscuits. Then we spotted a chill cabinet with sandwiches courtesy of Crosse and Blackwell, and cool drinks. From the comprehensive range, Ann selected a chicken salad sandwich (£1.89), which together with our shared pot of tea (£1.90) satisfied her. For once there were not too many tea bags in the pot!

I found choice more difficult but eventually plumped for the chargrilled chicken sandwich (£2.29). Enhanced by lettuce, red and yellow peppers this was filling enough to keep me going until our evening meal.

The servery is set in the middle of the room.

It was only by asking that we discovered where the cutlery and serviettes were located.

Choose your table carefully. The caf, though small, is on two levels. Windows on the upper one overlook the Square. At the height of the season all you are likely to see will be the slow moving queue awaiting entrance to the museum.

The lower level is in the main thoroughfare from the Jorvik experience back to 20th century life in St Mary's Square. In either area you could eschew other people and concentrate on the Rowntree/chocolate story on the wall displays.

Restaurant: Jorvik Caf

Address: Jorvik Viking Museum, St Marys Square, York

Telephone: 01904 643211

Reviewed: 5/12/98