THE size of this caf is deceptive. Through the bakery shop, up a step and you find a long room. A display rack shows off plates and teapots to advantage. Interesting brasses from traction engine rallies adorn one wall.

Orders are placed at the bakery counter, but delivered to the table. You must not forget to collect your cutlery.

Thoughtfully, two tables, clearly labelled, are reserved below the step for the disabled. However, I could see no alternative to tackling the step should anyone be in need of the toilets.

Bill and I had spent the morning walking and consequently were hungry. The two-course special (£5.95) sounded attractive. Gammon, egg, tomato and chips; beef or lamb with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables; chicken breast with chips and salad or vegetables were on offer.

So was steak and kidney pie which was Bill's choice. Receiving a quarter of a short crust pastry pie with crispy chips, peas and carrots he was well pleased. His second course was cold cherry cheesecake on a hot plate!

The big breakfast sounded irresistible to me. Eggs, bacon rashers, sausages and hash browns came in twos. Added to these were baked beans, tinned tomatoes and two slices of buttered toast. All for £5.25!

A pot of tea was included in the prices.

There were many interesting alternatives to our choices. Norwegian prawn salad (£4.50), home-made quiche, chips and salad (£4.75), shepherd's or fisherman's pie (£4.95) each with two vegetables and roast potatoes were available in addition to the usual sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

Hot sweets included treacle suet pudding, fruit crumble and lemon sponge.

During our visit the caf remained almost full. The shop was also busy, which could be disadvantageous to snackers queuing to place an order or collect a pudding along with shoppers.

Reflecting what we had eaten we both agreed that this was not an expensive venue and certainly gave good value.

Updated: 08:48 Saturday, September 06, 2003