ALTHOUGH he worked in the building next door, Jon had never eaten in this caf despite knowing of its reputation.

Advertised as providing great food, freshly prepared and value for money, would it live up to its claim?

We are well versed in staff and works canteens and strangely we both got that sort of feeling when we entered. This is probably quite unfair as the walls are relieved by posters and notice boards giving information about activities in and around York.

The caf is run under the umbrella of United Response, the same organisation that brings a remarkable carol service to York Minster each December.

The standard menu contained such items as Asian salmon fishcakes (£3.25), boozy beef casserole, quiche and cannelloni. But what about the specials?

On the day we visited there was quite a choice. Celery and stilton soup (£1.75) and chilli with rice (£3.25) were examples.

Jon selected Moroccan lamb with broccoli and red cabbage (£3.25).

The food was nicely decorated with grated parsley and the coleslaw was served in a separate dish. I waited for his verdict. Halfway through the meal he said "This is tasty and clearly home-made". He left a clean plate.

I was less adventurous. The cheese and leek pie with chips (£2.95) was my choice. It was also good although I would have appreciated a little more gravy.

One thing we did regret. The bowl containing the lamb and my pie plate were both cold.

We were very tempted to have a pudding but by now were running out of time. So we were forced to miss out on the jam sponge.

This is a place where you have to be patient. Service is meticulous and as far as we could tell the food was prepared to order.

Judging by the number of customers who appeared to be regulars, the staff, who are attentive and keen that everything is just so, must have got the formula about right.

Updated: 09:53 Saturday, June 12, 2004