Starbucks Coffee, Coney Street, York

After a very early start in York, where could we find something to eat? More important would it be open and warm at 8am?

In this one-time bank much of the elegance has been retained. The high vaulted moulded ceiling and low stone window seating are examples.

As the name implies, coffee is the staple fare. It appears to come in mugs of three sizes priced £1.50 to £2.80 depending on the variety. But other drinks are available.

The display cabinet contained an interesting range of pre-packed sandwiches (the vegetable feast cost £2.55), bagels, croissants and gateaux.

On the counter where the orders are taken we found sample lemon and poppy seed bread. This was quite tasty but perhaps not what we would choose for breakfast.

Ann had a fresh croissant with an almond filling, topped with icing sugar. Whilst licking her lips she said 'delicious'.

I chose a raisin and cinnamon bagel with cream cheese. To some folks bagels may be an acquired taste but I really like them. This one was no exception with an interesting blend of flavours.

We each had a small (but still quite big) mug of English breakfast tea (£1 per mug). New to this type of snack spot we hadn't quite got the hang of things. Fresh skimmed or ordinary milk was in jugs some distance from the counter. As the mugs came without saucers we were not sure what to do with the tea bags!

For reasons which I did not understand, the entrance door could not be opened from the outside. As a consequence it was propped ajar allowing a chilly draught.

Discreet notices asked customers to help keep the venue a smoke free area. Interestingly drinks are discounted by 10p if you bring your own mug.

For somewhere that has only recently opened we did not find the toilets an endearing feature.