TALK about confusion! The caf facia calls this place the James Caf and Tearoom. The menu is headed Acropolis Veranda and I spotted a Veranda Coffee Shop disclaimer notice inside.

At least the staff know what they are about.

We were warmly greeted and offered a choice of seating area; by the already crowded window, opposite the servery and towards the rear of the premises or upstairs.

On a hot day we might even have chosen the garden courtyard.

My companion, Barbara and I were taking a break from a charity committee meeting.

This was the first time she had been a Press guinea pig, and she rose to the occasion.

After much deliberation we decided not to try the daily specials priced at up to £5.50. These included braised liver (£4.75), shepherds' pie and moussaka (both £5.25). Vegetables and potatoes or chips are included in the price.

I noticed that puddings at £2.95 included spotted dick and treacle sponge.

Nothing on the extensive menu appeared to be unique. From the section 'Fresh Salad' Barbara selected cottage cheese and pineapple (£4.75). I settled for the vegetarian breakfast (£4.50).

Orders are placed at the servery. Within ten minutes our meals were delivered to the table. The waitress helpfully provided cutlery and serviettes. I should have collected them when ordering! She had difficulty understanding that Barbara would appreciate a dressing for the salad, but a sachet of mayonnaise eventually appeared.

And the verdict? An unquantifiable comparison of the cholesterol content of the two plates! Barbara found cottage cheese, shredded carrot, cucumber, tomato, onion and beetroot in her salad but no pineapple (oh dear!). Fairly basic and lacking in creativity was the final comment.

I was surprised to be presented with two plates. One had two vegetarian sausages (tastier than some I have tried), fried egg, grilled tomato and a generous helping of mushrooms. The other plate held two slices of toast, one liberally heaped with baked beans. A filling combination.

Dirty plates were quickly cleared and tables wiped in this busy caf.

From our seats we had an excellent view of many Alan Stuttle prints of York. But as they were mounted beneath the servery at calf height, few snackers would be able to appreciate the work of this talented local artist.

Updated: 16:32 Friday, October 28, 2005