IF there is a bargain to be had, we'll do our best to track it down. Lunch everyday for £5 (£10 for dinner) sounded too good to miss.

It was just before midday when we entered. Already many tables were occupied. An immediate apology that the kitchen was not quite ready might have alerted us to problems.

There was plenty time to consider the menu which offered two courses for a fiver.

The starters included roasted mushroom soup (Ann's choice) and peppered pastiche pat with water biscuits for me. An alternative could have been onion bhaji with minted yoghurt.

Main courses could be selected from Welsh rarebit on a toasted baguette, squid rings with fries and a chilli tartar sauce, warm pasta of chick peas and spinach or sausage on cheesy mash with flat Yorkshire pudding strips and white onion sauce.

Our order was taken and quickly appeared. Sadly Ann's soup was only lukewarm. A comment to our waiter, an apology and before long a steaming bowl was forthcoming. Now all was well and I can confirm that the soup was delicious.

My pat was also excellent although I would have described the water biscuits as bread sticks!

For me the cheesy mash, two sausages, strips of Yorkshire pudding, lemon grass and leaves was a winner. The helping was not on the generous side but what do you expect for a fiver? Seasonal vegetables, salad and bread (plain or garlic) would all incur an extra charge.

Ann was presented with a substantial helping of pasta and chick peas which eventually defeated her. She readily conceded that pasta is difficult to keep hot (it did say warm on the menu) but the chick peas were definitely undercooked. So we had one disappointed customer.

By 12.30pm the cafe was full. Staff were attentive and helpful. One customer had her backpack carefully stowed away and a large party were quickly accommodated by combining three tables and adding a high chair.

We had arrived "before the kitchen was quite ready". But maybe the chef should come on duty a bit earlier.

For simple refreshment, tea and espresso (£1), cappuccino and hot chocolate (£1.25) are available.

Updated: 16:45 Friday, March 04, 2005