THE Manydown Bus Stop Cafe opened in August, and I was keen to sample the menu aboard this unique venue.

When I arrived with my husband on a Friday lunchtime, the first thing I wanted to do was take a picture of the converted bus, which is surrounded by open fields.

We were greeted by a friendly woman serving in the downstairs section of the bus, before heading to the top deck to take a seat.

However, with the sun out, it was a little too warm inside so we decided to make the most of the weather and took a seat at one of the picnic benches outside.

The menu is simple, offering breakfasts such as bacon or sausage butties, and lunches including sandwiches, soup and paninis.

I chose the Conductor’s Quiche, priced £6.95, which is home-made at Manydown Farm Shop’s sister shop Cobbs.

My husband selected a Double Decker Sandwich, filled with mature cheddar and Tracklements chutney.

Both came with salad leaves, and the sandwich was also accompanied by crisps.

Our drinks arrived promptly, my tea in a pot, holding enough for two cups, while my husband’s Coke came poured in a quirky jam jar-style glass.

The man who brought them over was extremely friendly, asking us if it was our first visit to the cafe, before politely chatting to us for a while.

My quiche, which arrived shortly after our drinks, was warm and of a good-sized portion, but I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed at the ratio of filling to pastry, making it slightly too stodgy and thin.

My husband’s sandwich was on the opposite end of the scale in terms of thickness – it really was of doorstop proportions, and he particularly enjoyed the accompanying chutney.

Despite my initial disappointment, the mushroom quiche was cheesy and quite tasty, and left enough room to sample one of the chocolate brownies.

Costing £1.95, there was enough to share between two, and we both agreed it had the perfect gooey centre.

I would definitely visit this cafe again, with its beautiful setting and simple but tasty food, which is made using locally sourced produce, much of which can be bought in the farm shop next door.

But the real attraction is the friendly service. I imagine it will be popular with families, as children can enjoy the novelty of sitting inside a bus, and even take it in turns to sit in the driver’s seat!

This review was conducted anonymously, and the featured venue had no knowledge of The Gazette’s visit.