AT the heart of any successful retail outlet it would seem lies some kind of cafe.

No major store, garden centre or these days even book shop is complete without somewhere to take a break from the rigours of spending.

Boundary Mill, that Mecca of shopping at the end of the M65 is so big it has no less than three choices – its own chippy and a posher restaurant on top of my destination this week.

First thing to say is if you weren’t hungry when you set off for the coffee shop, the chances are you will be by the time you get there, winding your way through a maze of clothing and homewares.

BB’s coffee shop does have the appearance of a canteen with heavy pine tables and chairs in orderly rows. Original artwork and a giant balcony (you don’t sit out in Colne in January!) do brighten it up a little but at it’s an oasis of calm compared to much of the store.

The menu is surprisingly good for a coffee shop with snacks and full meals available.

I went for the leek and blue cheese quiche with salad at £3.99. The individual quiche lacked bite from the cheese but with the choice of three salad items (out of a possible six, I had mixed bean. coleslaw and pasta) and a wholemeal roll thrown in, it was pretty decent value for a good-sized plateful. A hot cappuccino round things off nicely.

Give how busy BB’s is, the staff cope well with clearing tables quickly Boundary Mill is always busy and the till operators all had smiles on their faces.

VERDICT

  • Food: 7
  • Drink: 7
  • Service: 7
  • Atmosphere: 7
  • Value: 7