Churchmouse cheeses

Kirkby Lonsdale's main street heads north from the market square and, after about a hundred yards, takes a sharp left onto another, shorter, stretch of road. At this point, amongst other shops, including the legendary 'Foxy Lady Fashions', you'll find the Sun Inn and our marvellous butcher. And, up until last year, there was a particularly fine cheese shop on the corner opposite the Sun Inn, called Churchmouse Cheeses.

They didn't only sell cheese, there; it was more of a deli, really. And on Saturdays, occasionally at least, there would be a man in there playing on the piano. It was a great shop. But, as I say, they closed down last year.

And relocated across the river to Barbon, where they now have a café called, appropriately enough, The Churchmouse At Barbon. I've been meaning to give it a try for a while now and today the opportunity presented itself and I went there for lunch with Dan and Abi. It was just - but only just - warm enough to sit outside.

The food was very good and, by happy coincidence, served by an old friend of mine. (I must admit, I rather fancy going back one evening with the Minx.) Anyway, once we'd eaten, we headed out to Barbon Beck with our books. Except that Dan and Abi went off to play in one of the nearby streams and I dozed in the sunshine. It was bliss!