For a local birthday lunch with friends, the name of this quaint French cafe was very apt.

You don’t expect to have to book ahead for a table for a Wednesday lunchtime but we were very lucky that one of our party got there early, as the place was full. Decorated in the shabby chic style that is so popular, I wondered if I actually knew them from somewhere. The cafe doubles as a gift shop so while you are waiting for your food, you can windowshop.

There is no written menu – instead, a giant chalkboard behind the counter. What looks like a small range took ages to decide on: I opted for a warm goats cheese and beetroot tart (£9.50), which came with three of a huge range of salads, and a lentil and butternut squash, broad bean and butter bean for main.

My two-year-old son had a warm courgette and cheese muffin at £3.50, which came with curried coleslaw (which he kindly shared with me in return for some jelly beans) that was fantastic. My friends chose a Plat du Jour (main of the day) which was a Mexican chicken salad (£10.95) and a pea, leek and bacon frittata (£9.50), both of which came with three choices of salad. Other salads included giant couscous, noodles and pea and basil hummus. There was a soup of the day, which was smoked chicken, and filled baguettes.

The service was prompt and smiley and the food absolutely brilliant. Salads aren’t seen as filling but these definitely were, and quality and taste were in abundance. Although we were certainly satisfied by our main courses, the selection of homemade cakes were enough to defeat even the bravest of women. Which we are not.

A chocolate cake that was warmed up to go even gooier, a moist courgette and lime cake and a beautifully rustic-looking carrot cake somehow found their way to our tables alongside a pot of freshly whipped cream and were devoured instantly. (And yes, I had to share mine with the two-year-old).

Our bill in total came to £46.65, which included tea and apple juice. Totally worth it and I have been recommending Mes Amis left right and centre. A combination of brilliant food, friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make this cafe a little gem in the centre of a lovely old village.

I liked it so much that I went back the following day for a takeaway salad pot.

* Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

* Children welcome.

* Parking available on street nearby.

* Gift shop has delicious and unusual food items.