TO reach this caf, take the A1079 towards Hull and opposite Pocklington airfield, turn off to Allerthorpe. Go through the village, pass the golf course and eventually the park entrance appears on the left.

Everyone is requested to report to reception. If you intend to participate in one of the activities there is a charge otherwise you can access the caf.

The caf is carpeted, light and well decorated. It opens on to a terrace (Alan Titchmarsh would call it decking) overlooking the lake.

The simple menu lists the usual fare including jacket potatoes, sandwiches and desserts.

Food has to be ordered at the servery, will be freshly prepared and then brought to the table.

One customer was tucking in to a breakfast which at £6.50 included three slices of toast and marmalade. This looked to be good value because on the menu toast was priced at £2.

We chose a chicken and ham panini (£3.50) to share and a pot of tea (£1.80).

The contents of the panini were fine but were we unlucky? Either our knives were blunt or the panini was tough. It was hard going although we did manage to eat it.

Ann returned to the servery to select the desserts; a coconut tart for herself and an individual Bakewell for me. Each was £1.40.

We were delighted to see that this caf provides Fairtrade sugar in packets.

Had it been later in the day we might have been tempted by the Angler's pie. At £3.50, this consisted of fine fish in a creamy sauce topped with mashed potato. Desserts such as chocolate cake and lemon drizzle also looked tempting.

After our snack we fancied a walk round the lake. We felt the charge of £1 a head a deterrent. If it is necessary to make a charge would it not be better to make it redeemable against the cost of refreshments?

For the energetic, the centre provides opportunities to windsurf, kayak, use a BMX track or try fly fishing.

Updated: 10:00 Saturday, October 08, 2005