FARM shops are a growing phenomena. Here is another and with a coffee shop.

You will need a strong resolve to walk past the array of fresh, frozen, packeted and jarred food. An inspection revealed that nearly all were sourced from Yorkshire producers.

This retail outlet is set back from the A59, next to the garage at Kirk Hammerton. It opens daily except Mondays. The coffee shop operates from 9.30am to 3pm.

Wheelchair access is possible, although at busy times the gangway from the door to the caf area could be congested. The venue is small and tucked away at the back of the shop. Passing traffic and a field of cows could be seen through the windows.

The menu is simple. However, apart from the drinks we understood that all the food was either baked on the premises or available at the deli counter.

Ann ordered the special hot chocolate (£1.75) not quite knowing what to expect.

She received a mug of hot milk containing a stick! This held a large lump of chocolate, which gradually melted and made for a delicious drink.

My pot of tea (excellent pourer) provided two good cups for £1.30. A cafetiere of coffee cost £1.65.

We decided not to have soup and a roll (£3) or a sandwich (£2.45 to £3) but to try the toasties.

Ann had cheese and tomato while I had ham. They arrived at the table piping hot and attractively garnished with onion, tomato, cucumber and lettuce. Chutney was provided in a separate dish.

Ann was well satisfied and my ham was plentiful and part-icularly tasty.

We shared a slice of coffee/walnut cake and two slices of fruit loaf, both priced at 95p. They were definitely home baked and moreish.

We feel certain the chocolate cake, fairy buns and date slice would have been equally good.

Our snack came to £10.50 which meant the combined cost of the toasties was £5.55.

On the way out we sampled a Wensleydale Creameries cheese promotion, inspected meat and even found some frozen fruit we had previously only encountered in New Zealand.

A quick purchase of fresh vegetables and we were off, promising to call again on our way to or from the north.