SUGGESTIONS for places to visit have been arriving thick and fast since the turn of the year. This week we are responding to a recommendation from a Dringhouses reader.

The name struck a chord with us. On inquiry we discovered that this venue only opened in November, but had previously been on the outskirts of Knaresborough.

The caf is located on the first floor of what can best be described as an emporium. Small items of furniture, lamps, artefacts, even pianos and keyboards are all on display. Ladies fashions were on the top floor but that was for later.

With friends, we were bound for an antiques fair. However, it was convenient to have a late coffee/early lunch stop.

All the usual drinks were available. Tea (£1.60), cappuccino (£1.95), hot chocolate (£2.15) could accompany a scone (£1.95) or toasted teacake (£1.75).

The lunch menu displayed on a chalk board showed appetisers from £3.75 to £4.75, with main courses priced £5.75 to £8.75. Creamy mushrooms on toasted croissants (£4.75) sounded appetising.

One friend selected a brie and apple sandwich on white bread. Ann's choice was egg and cress in brown. Both were priced £3.75. The sandwiches were definitely made to order.

Both ladies said the bread was excellent and, despite not having the crusts removed, they were judged to be crisp and certainly not tough. A modest but attractively served garnish completed the plates.

I contemplated having the avocado vinaigrette (£4.95) but in the end joined our other friend by ordering a hot bacon muffin (£3.75).

There was ample freshly cooked bacon with a lettuce and grated carrot garnish. We both pondered the flavour of the carrot before realising that it contained fragments of fresh orange. Very tasty.

During our visit, the caf was beginning to fill up. Two tables are in a bay window overlooking the Stray, although the view was through some bare-bottomed statuary! When the crocuses are in bloom, these tables will be prime positions.

The sweet menu included lemon roulade, raspberry almond tart, sticky toffee pudding and hot cherries and ice cream.

We left totally satisfied with the quantity and quality of our snack.

It is only a five-minute walk to the centre of Harrogate. However, there is convenient metered parking (cheap by York's standards) opposite the caf.

Updated: 16:01 Friday, February 10, 2006