YOU could argue that Kirkby Lonsdale has more than its fair share of eating places. There are six cafes and at least the same number of hotels, restaurants and pubs.

That such a small town can support this number of eateries is down to its obvious charm as a visitor attraction.

Situated between two national parks and just six miles from the M6, Kirkby Lonsdale is also an ideal pit stop for the passing traveller.

And the newest kid on the town’s culinary block, Number Forty Four, has an obvious part to play in its multifarious food offerings.

Named after its address, 44 Main Street, it is certainly attractive to look at. Actually, eatery is perhaps demeaning when its owners bill it as ‘an award-winning coffee house, patisserie and bistro’.

According to the Kirkby Lonsdale town website, Number Forty Four is famous for serving ‘the best coffee’ as well as oven fresh scones and bacon rolls and the promise of a money-back guarantee if these aren’t up to scratch.

I called for lunch with my son, who was visiting from his home in Thailand, and was looking forward to reminding him what good English food is like (even if it’s served up with a French accent). He wasn’t that impressed.

He ordered from the sandwich selection and declared the offering pleasant but uninspiring. Perhaps that’s not surprising since he’s been spoiled by the great Thai cuisine he’s tucked into for the past 20 years.

Similarly, my potato and leek soup was nothing special – yet good enough to avoid me claiming on the money-back guarantee.