WE HAD been told that this venue had reopened after about a year's closure.

True, but what we were not told was that the same owners had reopened the caf and gift shop. Turning off the A170 we were faced with a virginia creeper in full autumn colours. Magnificent.

Opening from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, what can you expect to eat?

A varied menu caters for most tastes and appetites. When we visited service was slow but we were warned about this on entry.

Although tables are located on two levels, apart from a step into the caf there should be no other hazards.

Once it was our turn to the served, staff were efficient.

Ann chose quiche of the day, in her case asparagus with ham and tomato as an alternative. Again there was a choice, jacket potato or salad. Ann opted for a green salad and thought it a bit on the mean side.

Hoping to keep within our budget, I scanned the baked potatoes priced from £2.95 to £5.50 depending on the filling. Sandwiches cost up to £3.95 and salads ranged from £4.75 to £5.50.

Finally selecting chicken liver pate with a green salad, toast and butter (£4.50), I had no regrets. The pate was flavoursome, toast fresh and salad crisp. We shared a pot of tea (£2.40) and our request for a second jug of hot water was answered quickly.

A bit of quick mental arithmetic told me we were just within our objective of not exceeding £11.50. However, Ann pointed out that as we were on the way to the theatre in Scarborough and would probably not be home till late, we should have something else.

Ann allowed me a small piece of the fresh cream meringue she was thoroughly enjoying but could not be persuaded to try the delicious rich fruit cake I had chosen. Both 'afters' cost £2.25 and for an extra 25p I could have had Wensleydale cheese; but enough was enough.

We had exceeded our budget but not to the extent of the bill which arrived as £18.40. Each item had been correctly itemised and I could only presume that 'the machine' had got it wrong.

An altogether pleasant experience, if a little too difficult to snack economically. Cups of coffee start at £1.25, teacakes are £1.20, scones £1.50 and banana or strawberry ice cream milkshakes are £1.65.

Ann had a browse around the gift shop but thankfully found no reason to buy anything.

Updated: 08:52 Saturday, November 08, 2003