Despite the name, this appeared to be a very English snack spot during the day. However, we can't vouch for style of eating in the evening.

It was busy when we visited mid afternoon. Tables were vacated regularly and the staff were quick to clear away used crockery. Even though some of the staff were having lunch, service remained slick.

We scanned the menu carefully for items or fillings that we hadn't experienced before. Would pancakes topped with cheese sauce (£5.95) qualify? Maybe not!

Soup of the day with a basket of French bread (£2.95) would have attracted us earlier in the day. So might jacket potatoes, salads or toasties. Even an omelette at £4.95.

Ann felt that a sandwich with cream cheese, pine nuts, dates and walnuts (£3.20) would suit her. She hadn't bargained for the garnish. The tomatoes, onion, lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, orange and a slice of melon was a feast in itself. Did she correctly judge that the bread had been baked by Warburtons?

I decided to start with a toasted teacake (£1.10). Having just managed to rescue the serviette that came between teacake and plate I was pleased with the quality of the food. What next?

We watched the scone with jam and cream (£1.95) that I had requested being prepared. Fresh cream was whipped to order. None of that aerosol stuff in this establishment. The cream, fresh butter and jam came in three separate dishes. All plus points and the scone was good.

A pot of tea (£2.40) with fresh milk rounded off our snack.

Our visit took place on a Wednesday which is still acknowledged as a half day by some shops. Nevertheless there were enough shops open to satisfy Ann and me, the parking was free.

Updated: 16:29 Friday, December 09, 2005