The Lime Tree, Moorlands Nurseries, Harrogate, reviewed by Angela Cunningham “DID you hear that?” says the Dizzy Goddaughter (DG) as we take our seats. “That lady over there just remarked, it’s worth coming here if only for the scrummy coleslaw. We’d better be giving that a try then,” DG concludes.

It’s a bit of a treasure hunt finding The Lime Tree, placed as it is in a sunny corner of the Moorland Nurseries compact complex. We’ve snaked our way past an enviable array of beautiful, healthy plants, aquatics, cards and gifts, pots, garden ornaments and bird feeders to find our goal, and hidden treasure it certainly is.

I’d guess there must be seating for about 50 people within the cafe and delightful light and airy conservatory, yet the atmosphere is comfy and intimate. Rattan furniture in muted grey complements the paintwork and the most wonderful quirky and cheerful Wellington boot patterned curtains and blinds.

Copious up-to-date magazines invite customers to sit a-while and relax, and they’re happy for you to do just that. The slick, black-clad staff are discrete yet ultra-friendly and obviously enjoying their job. No wonder the place is full – who wouldn’t enjoy eating here?

We are offered a magnificently varied menu, ranging from everyday classics to more adventurous dishes, along with a selection of today’s seven specials. Looking around us we spot tempting plates and platters being enjoyed by fellow diners. A delicious looking creamy pasta dish is wafted past us, a neighbour is tucking into to a mound of golden scrambled eggs, and there’s steaming Yorkshire rarebit to my left. I drag myself into the moment and concentrate on the paperwork in front of me.

It’s a cheese scone for DG which she orders with a side salad, and a crispy bacon sandwich for me which is served with a good-sized crunchy, colourful salad, crisps and that all important coleslaw. We share a generous cafetiere of the house-blend North Star coffee (sourced and roasted in Leeds). The brew is robust and well-rounded and we take our time to clear every drop. Others around us seem equally satisfied with their pots of Yorkshire tea, or refreshing glasses of wine.

Today’s pudding menu is equally as tempting as the savouries, offering eight sweet options, ranging from the ever-popular pies and crumbles to creamy and fruity confections to die for. And in addition to this there’s a goodly selection of cakes and pastries for those with a sweet tooth. It’s no wonder this place is such a popular venue for the folk of Harrogate and further afield.

Quizzing the staff I learn that ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible and cooking and baking is done daily in their own busy kitchen. The home baking is done in small batches, and the odd wonky shaped slice of tray bake must be excused, as it is a result of slicing by hand, as we ourselves do at home.

It’s time to leave and browse the plants and cards before our journey home.

Oh, and the coleslaw? That lady was right, creamy, crunchy and yes, scrummy.

Details The Lime Tree, Moorland Nurseries, Forest Moor Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8JY 01423 864777 limetreecafe.co.uk Opening times Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm MENU Coffee £1.95, sandwich £5.95, scone £2.65