WE were driving from Helmsley to Osmotherley thinking that refreshment would be welcome.

Perched above the road was a building. A significant number of cars were parked in the vicinity.

Only two miles east of Osmotherley, this cafe is a mecca for walkers and cyclists, although we also found family groups having lunch inside.

The cafe is accessed up a slope.

Two stone floored rooms are combined with a kitchen range at one end and a wood burning stove at the other.

There is a step down at the division between the rooms.

A mix of tables and chairs accommodate up to 40 customers inside. Outside there are wooden benches and flat stones for the hardy.

The menu was chalked up by the servery. Sandwiches (£4.50) and baguettes or ciabattas (£5.50) had a variety of fillings. These included smoked salmon and cream cheese, turkey, brie and grapes or ham with Emmental cheese.

The sandwiches looked good value and were attractively presented.

However, we both decided to have soup (£3.50). Leek and potato was the preferred option over tomato and basil. For Ann, it was to come with a roll and butter, for me, garlic bread.

We didn't have to wait too long before two steaming bowls appeared. The roll and bread were both warm and our hunger was soon satisfied.

Well not quite! I couldn't resist a scone. In preference to the plain ones or even the cherry and almond, I chose the fruit variety with jam (£1.20). We shared this and agreed that it was excellent.

The cafe was busy throughout our visit.

The two hard-working waitresses coped with orders and clearing tables without difficulty, managing to squeeze between tables and chairs with considerable skill.

Although we didn't sample any of the cakes (£2.50) nor have tea or coffee, all these items were available.

Despite being out in the yard, the toilets were of a high standard.

At this time of year, the cafe is open daily, but out of season you may be taking pot luck.

Driving on to Osmotherley we realised how lucky we had been. Every available parking spot was taken and we should have been frustrated had we not stopped at Chequers.