I always eye Tripadvisor reviews with caution. They seem to veer from one extreme to another - from the suspiciously gushing to the positively unfair, like saying the medieval castle was OK but it was draughty as it had no roof.

I've passed the little Caffi Ty Winsh in Caernarfon many times, and thought I'd check it out myself. It's in a handy location by Doc Fictoria and in a prime spot to tempt passing customers as they come to or from the town or the car park behind Asda.

But on Thursday I had a few minutes, so I decided today was the day. It was surprisingly big.

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I expected there to be three or four tables with little elbow room. But it's on two levels and has no fewer than 34 covers.

Even one of the staff, Marek from Bratislava in Slovakia, said customers are often struck by its Tardis-like dimensions. As its name suggests it's an old winch house and a giant cog was once on the upper floor.

With its whitewashed walls, wooden veneer floor and cream-painted chairs - some made from distressed wood - it was a bit like being in a cool furniture shop. On one wall is a notice displaying "Carnarvon & Anglesea ferry bye-laws" as well as the more homespun "A coffee a day keeps the grumpies away".

When I was there one of the staff was putting up a Christmas tree. Sitting down on the upper mezzanine level, I glanced at the Ty Winsh menu and plumped for the Ty Winsh Rarebit.

Then I went down to the counter to order the meal and a mocha, returning to the table with a wooden spoon. This was the kind you actually want instead of the Six Nations variety and bore the legend Number 9.

After a while Marek navigated his way to my table (he didn't really need the wooden spoon procedure. The place is big but it's not THAT big) and brought my lunch.

The glazed, mature Cheddar cheese on the toast was delicious, especially with dash of Worcester sauce over it. The side salad was fresh and healthy.

Caramelised onion chutney plus a sachet of brown sauce gave it a real zip, leading my tastebuds on a merry dance.

Afterwards I went back to the counter looking for something out of the ordinary. "What kind of cake is this, please?" I asked Marek. "Slovakian Apple Sponge Cake," he replied.

As I was going for the unusual, I chose a slice of that, as Marek revealed that most people think he's Italian or Spanish. Back at the table, I found the cake to be very pleasant - moist, light and rather subtle, with salted caramel drizzled over it.

"More grated apples would have made it soggy," he explained. I polished off the mocha and reflected on a full tummy and another cafe to recommend.

What a tasteful, idiocyncratic cafe this is. Maybe I'll put a review on Tripadvisor after all. Rest assured, if I do it'll be one of those gushing ones.

The facts:

Location: Caffi Ty Winsh Cafe, Balaclava Road, Caernarfon, LL55 1TB.

Food: Ty Winsh Rarebit (£9.00), Slovakian Apple Sponge Cake, Mocha

The bill: £17.00 in total

Service: Friendly and warm

Atmosphere: Tasteful and charming

Verdict: Check it out ASAP