watercolours on the wall to the laid-back background music and masses of newspapers to divulge the day's events.

The menu board contains what you would expect in a Continental cafe with only the absence of ham and bacon being a pointer to the venue's ownership. Broad windows on two sides ensured a light and bright interior as we scanned the display counter containing baguettes, pizza slices, cookies and cakes but it was the pastries, hand-made on the premises, that took our fancy.

The croque monsieur was two slices of white bread smothered in masses of cheddar cheese, lightly grilled and tasted divine. So too was the triple cheese basquet: pastry inwardly folded over masses of more cheese. To complete the cheese fix we had a mozzarella and tomato sandwich: melted cheddar cheese on slightly sweet bread, lightly seasoned and served direct to our table within minutes of ordering. There was a steady flow of customers, a cosmopolitan crowd according to the location, as the steaming hot lattes and mochas were delivered to our table. At weekends the menu varies to include lasagne and mousaka but giant jacket potatoes and salads are available all through the week. There was a wide selection of juices and exotic teas to cater for any whims and preference.

The cakes and cookies are not produced on the premises but definitely worth a try. The award for the best undoubtedly went to the wicked rocky road (wicked as a noun and an adjective, we are pleased to announce). Delicious crumbly, dark chocolate cake and gooey chunks of marshmallow to give that vital burst of energy to survive a rush hour trip along the hustle and bustle of Mill Road.

Arab-owned it maybe, but it definitely delivers a little slice of Paris to Cambridge and is well worth a visit.