Oxfordshire may not be the biggest county in the UK but it continually throws up surprises for residents and tourists alike. Despite living here for several years, I am continually discovering new places to visit, each with a very distinct personality.

The town of Faringdon had, until recently, passed me by with it being on the western outskirts of the county's business scene.

But I am very aware that in recent times at least the town has been thriving, with organisations such as the Faringdon Enterprise Gateway drawing new industry into the town.

The advantages are obvious for those wanting access to both Swindon and the West, as well as Oxford and the South and, with the added incentives the Gateway provides, it is an ideal location.

The town itself also seems well prepared for such activity and was larger than I had envisaged with a market square and plenty of parking another enormous advantage.

It was just off the square that we spotted The Sadlers, a slightly unassuming looking building.

As it was a hot day, the prospect of a large, hot meal was not an appetising one. We had in mind something more Mediterranean and less formal and a look at the menu seemed to suggest we had found the ideal solution.

There were plenty of salads and lighter meals to choose from and so we found ourselves standing at what appeared to be a counter.

The reason for this is that The Sadlers is a caf and the owners provide an outside catering service, so it is a hive of industry.

On this particular Saturday there were plenty of customers about and some had spilled into the garden at the back, which seemed a sensible place to park ourselves on such a pleasant day.

I opted for a main course of artisan cheeses which came with a variety of breads. This was a simple dish including Camembert and Cheddar, served with a helping of tangy pickle just what I wanted.

It went down a treat with a glass of the dry and refreshing French Colombard white wine, which was one of several available on the menu.

My companion decided that she wanted to go off the menu' slightly, combining a slice of rosemary ham with a salad.

When I went in to order, this request proved to be no problem at all and, shortly afterwards, a couple of slices of the slightly unusually-flavoured ham appeared with the salad and dressing.

Again, it was not a big portion but just enough to satisfy our needs.

Having also brought the junior member of the family, there proved to be a plentiful choice and she was soon tucking into a mushroom, ham and mozzarella panini. The cheese oozed out of the bread on to the plate, which was soon clean, and taken as a good sign that the meal had been particularly enjoyable.

She followed it up with a chocolate milkshake clearly home made which incurred the same result. The garden area was pleasant enough with high walls and tables scattered across a courtyard, although if you are looking for privacy, then this is not the place to come, as it was impossible not to hear every word of the conversations at the neighbouring tables.

We decided to move inside for coffee and found ourselves in the slightly ramshackle interior sitting on comfortable sofas.

It was a little cramped but that did not really matter, least of all to the serving staff who were cheerful and helpful. And my mood improved further when the bill for under £30 appeared.

There is also an air of eccentricity about the place with its clutter and clatter from the kitchens but that just seems to add to the atmosphere.

I expect many business folk find their way to The Sadlers for a break from routine, safe in the knowledge that they will be well looked after.

Contact: 01367 240678.