WHEN the livestock market is in full swing, I imagine parking will be at a premium. As it was there was plenty of room when Bill and I called.

Normally we only snack together when we have been walking, but on the day of our visit we were engaged in a charitable activity.

It was not quite noon when we arrived and there was no one in the caf. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pies plus cakes and tray bakes were displayed in a cabinet signed farmers' produce corner.

Because there was no sign of hot food were we too early for lunch? An assistant appeared and assured us we were not.

A number of items were advertised behind the servery. Bill requested steak and mushroom pie (£3.95) as an alternative to ham salad (£3.75) or sausage, chips and beans (£2.50).

Thinking what workers from the market might enjoy, I asked for the breakfast (£2.95). We both wanted tea and were directed to a machine that dispensed many combinations of tea and coffee. China mugs were provided and a jug of fresh milk.

We were invited to sit down and the food would be brought to us. Afterwards 12 more customers arrived and it was very much a case of collect from the servery and pay as you pass the till.

We waited about ten minutes during which time hot food appeared from the kitchen and was placed on the servery.

My breakfast arrived first. An egg and sausage, two rashers of bacon, mushrooms and black pudding, beans and tinned tomatoes filled the plate. I thoroughly enjoyed this freshly cooked plateful plus two slices of toast which, sadly, were not crisp. Never-the-less it was excellent value.

When Bill's meal came, the assistant also brought a jug of gravy because, as she said, she had forgotten to ask him if he wanted it. Very thoughtful and it did allow Bill to take as much or as little as he wanted.

His verdict, "lovely pie and pastry but processed peas are not my favourite". There was, however, a clean plate in due course.

We thought the tea might be the least satisfactory because it was made from a powder, but it was surprisingly refreshing.

By now there was a steady flow of customers who seemed to be having chips with everything. No sign of anyone eating a salad, but maybe it is that kind of a place.

Updated: 10:47 Saturday, July 17, 2004