WE LIKE the new name for the cafe at Fakenham Farm in St Helens. That place at the top of the hill — the cafe with The View.

At The View, there is a view — and it's a pleasant one. There is also a surprisingly comprehensive range of hot food on offer.

As we pondered the menu, a bevy of grand ladies swept in for what looked like a lunch date. A sharing platter of hot, fragrant crostini wafted past us on its way to their table — that certainly ignited our interest.

Then we overheard our neighbours' conversation. Having just read the Isle of Wight County Press, they were dissecting the latest Matt and Cat review of Seabreeze, East Cowes.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

(Image: Matt and Cat)

(Image: Matt and Cat)

We won't tattle too much, but it seems as though those variable poached eggs would not have gone down well in St Helens.

It's always a delight to get feedback on our work, but we were at The View for a reason — and when our meals arrived our attention was firmly on our own lunches.

Tribbiani sounds like an Italian dish, but it's named after a US sitcom character who loved sandwiches. This toasted pastrami and cheese combo is a variation on the classic Reuben sarnie — and The View's version is outstanding.

With crispy pickles and a lively Dijon sauce, two big slices of good sourdough toast barely contained the salt beef, and so much cheese. Just as it should be, the cheese was burnt onto the outside of the toastie too.

A chirpy home-made apple and rocket slaw complemented this perfectly. Really one of the best hot sandwiches we have had for a long time.

The View Burger, it turns out, is like the Tribbiani, but in burger form. The bread is replaced by a substantial brioche — not quite overwhelmed by its contents.

With the addition of a local beef smash-burger, jalapenos and plenty of that cheesy goodness, this was a juicy, spicy, pleasure. Not even called 'loaded' or 'dirty', it was a worthy signature dish.

The View is looking good. Wholesome, enjoyable food served with a friendly smile at pleasingly reasonable prices.

Imagination and flair has gone into both the refurbishment of the cafe and the creation of an attractive and interesting menu.

Reckon we'll get up in time for their breakfast somewhen.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

(Image: Matt and Cat)