There is a space at the side of the stairs to leave prams and push-chairs, of course at your own risk. The stairs leading up to the café are quite narrow and checking for people coming up and down is a necessity.

On entering the café we were met by the end of a long queue. We decided to squeeze our way past and found that there was an empty table in the window which we quickly headed for with our shopping.

At looking at the menu we realised we had forgotten to look at the specials board, but not wanting to fight our way back through the tables, we decided to have something off the menu this consisted of snacks and light meals, priced 60p - £2.65, jacket potatoes £1.95 - £3.90, hot, cold and toasted sandwiches £2.15 - £2.85, omelettes £3.20 - £3.80, salads £3.40 - £4.70 and plenty of cakes and desserts to choose from, 35p - £1.55.

For children they do a picnic box containing a ham, cheese, tuna or egg roll, crisps, Smartie bun, fruit and a carton or blackcurrant or orange juice.

We opted for warm quiche salad and a tuna and cheese melt – they both came with plenty of delicious salad and there homemade coleslaw, all packed onto small plates, but the problem being as soon as you tuck in the salad seems to fall off (bigger plates needed). To drink we had there nice milky coffee and a tea which you can ask for more water if needed.

The café itself is not very spacious, with little room between the tables so in busy periods it's very difficult to move about especially with waitresses carrying meals. The front part of the café has the view over the pedestrian precinct looking towards the Brunswick Centre and Woolworths so perfect for people watching. Also with plenty of plants and statues about the place really had a feeling of a secret garden.

The staff were very pleasant and helpful even though they were rushed off their feet during the lunchtime rush hour.

There is only one toilet just as you enter the café, but is kept very clean.

Overall it was very good value for money. Avoid busy times if you are in a rush to get back to work, as you could easily have quite a wait and trying to get a table can prove difficult. A handy place in the centre of town to meet friends for coffee or lunch.

Overall opinion ****

Value for money ****

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