ARNSIDE didn't exactly roll out the red carpet for James Foice and Claire Tomalin.

In fact, it was blowing a gale and pouring with rain.

Undeterred, they fell in love with the place anyway and now, it seems, this renowned seaside spot has reciprocated.

Since opening their restaurant half-way up Pier Lane - just opposite the pier - villagers (and visitors) have beat a regular path to James and Claire's door - fortunately, not all at once.

For Caf J is the tiniest of eateries seating 20 at the most.

Such intimacy makes for the friendliest of atmospheres, however, and you've only got to look at comments in the visitors book to see what a hit these illustrious thirty-somethings have become:

"Just what we need" - "fantastic food" - "we'll be back" - "what a gem"!

Having only been open a few months, such praise makes the enormous effort worthwhile.

* For details of themed evenings at Caf J or for information about private catering, call the restaurant on 01524-762033.

See our Food and Drink section for the full article.