WE promised in our recent review that we would return to Number Twenty Eight on a better day. So here we are, honouring our pledge.

When surveying a snack spot we are looking for four things: the welcome (including cleared tables), quality and value for money, the ambience and finally what on the menu is unusual.

As before, the greeting was warm. With only two tables occupied we were offered a choice of where to sit. Last time we sat next to the servery, this time we chose to be a little further away. Eager to please, the staff were telling us about the day's specials almost before we could draw breath.

Twice we heard leek and potato soup being offered. Not what was on the specials board, but no matter. Anyway it was far too hot to contemplate soup.

Last time we had a toasted teacake with a pot of tea (£1.75) and a scone also with tea (£1.95). This time were determined to have something more substantial.

Not wanting a jacket potato, casserole or sandwich, Ann opted to try the special quiche of cheese, tomato and basil (£4.95). Two segments of quiche (served hot, at Ann's request) came well garnished with leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, orange and strawberries - prompting her to wonder if conventional old style lettuce was ever served anywhere these days!

Ann was offered dressings and the requested Hellman's appeared quickly.

We don't often have red meat at home so I chose the hot roast beef sandwich in thick brown bread (£3.45). The meat was lean and generous coming with a garnish similar to the one on Ann's plate. To my relief the horse radish sauce was served separately.

Apple pie or chocolate fudge cake were the sweets on offer. I asked for cold apple pie (£1.95) with ice-cream (50 pence extra), to round off my midday meal.

Because of the heat we both welcomed a cooling drink, a bottle of peach flavoured mineral water (£1.45) for Ann and an orange juice (£1.05) for me.

As to the unusual? We couldn't spot anything on the menu that was new to us except perhaps the Fox's glacier mints we received on departure.

30/6/01