WITHIN the shadow of Clifford's Tower and under threat from Coppergate II, this venue is handily placed for car parks and tourist spots.

Boards outside invited us to partake of a variety of snacks. Pizza, chips and salad (£5.25) or spaghetti with a chicken and ham cream sauce (£5.50) would do nicely at lunchtime.

However, our visit was mid-afternoon and something less substantial was called for. Afternoon tea would be fine.

For £2.75 the choice was either tea or coffee with a scone, jam and cream or apple pie accompanied by cream or ice cream.

Ann chose the scone which arrived already spread with jam and piped cream. Surely this had come from a dispenser and not the result of personal whipping by the chef! Without it being award-winning there were no complaints about the scone.

I was concerned that the pie pastry might be solid, but my fears were groundless. I was satisfied, although perhaps should have chosen ice cream instead of the cream.

As for the tea? A full pot, hot water and a tea strainer provided us with as much liquid as we needed.

I looked carefully at the comprehensive menu. Apart from the specials, most of the items that might be eaten at midday cost about £6. However with careful selection it would be possible to enjoy a genuine snack within our budget. Haddock and chips (£5.50), prawn, egg and Marie Rose sauce (£4.60) and a jacket potato with prawn curry are examples. Toasted or plain sandwiches with a drink would certainly qualify.

If there is concern about a lack of sparrows in York, they must all congregate outside this caf judging by the noise that came through the open windows. And inside? Strangely we were the only customers. Admittedly it was Monday but this pleasantly-decorated venue deserves better custom.

Updated: 08:53 Saturday, July 19, 2003