THE sun was streaming through the window as I entered this caf. Was this the beginning of spring or was bad weather still to come?

Usually I am passing at lunch time when the place is busy. This visit was early morning and I was in search of breakfast. I appeared to be the first customer of the day.

From the standard menu and the specials chalked up, it would appear that any combination of the contents of a cooked breakfast could be ordered. And in any quantity.

Remembering Ann's advice that I should easy go on the cholesterol, I limited myself to one egg and two rashers of bacon. This together with two slices of buttered toast and a mug of tea came to £3.60.

I ordered at the counter and took a seat soon to be joined by other customers. The venue looked to be freshly decorated. Tables were covered with bright chequered cloths and each had its own floral decoration. A set of shelves displayed brown tableware. A number of certificates/testimonials were framed on the walls.

The delay while my choice was cooked gave me a chance to study the menu. Tea (70p by the cup, 80p per mug), coffee at £1 or £1.20, toast 30p and teacakes £1.20 would be fine mid morning.

For lunch, there was soup and a fresh roll (£2.50), plated salads (£2.80 to £3.50), baked potatoes, hot and cold sandwiches, and so the list went on. I spotted chicken breast with chips and salad and wholetail scampi with chips, both priced at £4.80.

My food arrived still sizzling. The egg was runny and the bacon lean and cooked to my taste. What more can I say?

By the time I had finished, more shoppers were appearing on both sides of Bishopthorpe Road. While watching them, I idly wondered if the meat and vegetables provided in this caf came the short journey from the shops on the opposite side of the road.

Non-smokers beware. At the moment all tables are provided with an ashtray.

Updated: 16:21 Friday, March 03, 2006