Lauries Eats 'n' Treats,

Bridge Street, York

THE first thing that struck us as we entered was the unusual smell. Of course! It was orange being squeezed for fresh juice.

Essentially this is a delicatessen combining an interesting selection of fruits and foods with an extensive take-away service.

Within the door on either side is a row of high stools where we sat. Summer had arrived and through the open door the sound of a tin whistle-playing busker/beggar grew irksome. At times we also felt slightly vulnerable as passing groups of shouting youths made to enter before changing their minds.

With the exception of the curd tart Ann had, which was very solid and not fresh, the quality was excellent.

Ignoring the salmon, fruit and cottage cheese, Anne went for a coronation chicken sandwich. It was made to order and came with a salad garnish and coleslaw.

I chose a plain ham salad which was carved there and then. Three generous slices of ham, grated cheese, tomato, cucumber and lettuce left me well satisfied. However to complete my snack I also enjoyed a mug of tea and a piece of refrigerated cake, a biscuit base with chocolate topping.

Sorting out individual prices proved difficult but for £8 we felt we had value for money.

Most other snackers had something quick and light. I noticed soup, pasta bolognese with parmesan, salad boxes in three sizes (£1 to £1.75), coffee with shortbread (£1.75) and the intriguing Temptations of Tudor coffee. And finally, Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

A constant flow of customers for eating out or home consumption kept the pleasant staff busy at the counter. This was a pity because the eating area was not cleared quickly or effectively. Those of us eating in were surrounded by an increasing accumulation of used china and litter.