IT WAS by chance that we discovered this self-service caf, so we just had to investigate.

The caf is as far from the entrance as possible. Wheelchair access is excellent and circular tables are at an ideal height.

The area is well lit and airy. Two walls have photographs of famous places, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Rialto Bridge in Venice.

Some food items were displayed in a cabinet. Sandwiches, wraps and some other items were listed on a board. Unfortunately, the small type made it hard to read.

This contrasted with the wallmounted drinks list, which was legible from a distance.

There were no customers at the servery when we arrived. Before long there was a queue.

We each selected pre-packed sandwiches and a cake. A pot of tea for two (£1.65) completed our snack.

Ann's sandwich was described as 'dolphin-friendly tuna in seasonal mayonnaise on oatmeal bread' (£2.29) that merited a "very nice" verdict.

I was equally pleased with the sweet-cure bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo in malted wheat grain bread. So far so good.

We agreed that the choux pastry in the oddly named elephant's foot (otherwise known as an clair) and the Belgian bun were good.

Each cost £1.35.

Items advertised on a wall board included soup and a roll (£2.25), scone (99p), paninis (£2.95), special gateaux (£1.75) and muffins.

One customer requesting sausage and bean slice took staff by surprise.

They didn't know that it was on the menu! It was then that we discovered that the venue had been open for less than two months.

Prices are reasonable. Tea for one (£1.15), espresso (£1.10), cappuccino (£1.35/1.65) and hot chocolate (£1.25/1.55) are examples.

Hopefully, as the staff becomes more experienced, service will improve. For 15 minutes we watched one assistant wiping trays while tables remained uncleared.

As for the payment system!

Identifying each item, looking it up on a card then zapping a bar code seemed excessively slow.

However, we would have no hesitation in returning for the quality of the food.