HAVING been unsuccessful in visiting this venue on previous occasions, I discovered it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 4.30pm.

Are there enough customers in Harrogate to justify such an early start? Judging by the breakfast menu there must be. Up to 11am you can enjoy juice, cereal, a cooked meal, toast and tea/coffee for £6.95.

Lunchtime looked equally appetising. On our visit there was a choice of cream of vegetable or chicken and spring vegetable soup with a roll (£2.95).

Ann drooled over the thought of a warm salad of black pudding and bacon topped with a poached egg (£4.95). She would have been equally happy with the Swaledale Old Peculiar cheese salad and fig preserve (£4.45).

However it was only 10am and far too early for lunch.

Apart from tea (£1.10 to £1.50), coffee (£1.20 to £1.95) and hot chocolate (£2.20) the drinks menu included Bovril with a savoury biscuit (£1.50). We also spotted old fashioned lemonade and traditional ginger beer (both at £1.75).

The cinnamon toast was tempting but we both settled for a scone and butter, cheese for Ann and fruit for me (95p). For preserve and/or cream there was an additional charge.

The scones were hot but our tea was far too strong. There were three bags in the pot. However, the pleasant and obliging staff willingly produced a jug of hot water.

A comprehensive afternoon tea at £5.75 appeared to be available any time during the day. Has the ubiquitous all-day breakfast found competition?

The caf is on the upper floor of the arcade. It extends beyond its 'shop' on to a broad passage leading to other businesses.

When we visited the only people around were those also using the refreshment facilities.

I forgot to ask if there was lift access. I suspect not. But for the able bodied the stair climb produces its own reward.

Updated: 11:42 Saturday, June 18, 2005