FOR a taste of the best of continental Europe and a change from the usual lunchtime sandwich, Crêpes Farm in Westbourne is the place.

Run by Italian-Swiss husband and wife team, Ottavio and Renata Casella, Bournemouth’s first crêperie (and specialising in organic ingredients), offers an interesting and delicious alternative for breakfast, lunch or supper.

Its smart interior, decked out in vibrant and yet calming green and purple, coupled with the warm welcome you receive, gives it a comfortable, relaxed feel that encourages you to take some time out and enjoy.

There are china cows and Swiss cowbells on the shelves and children are presented with Swiss-themed colouring sheets and pencils.

Our party of two children and two adults decided to try two savoury and two sweet crêpes between us and it was a wise choice – there was a more than enough to fill us all up.

From the excellent range of savoury crêpes, made with either wheat flour or gluten-free buckwheat flour, we chose cheese and ham for the children and cheese, egg and ham for the grown-ups.

The crêpes were beautifully thin and light with a delicious flavour of their own even before you considered the filling. The cheese used is the German-Swiss variety Tilsiter, one I hadn’t encountered before. It has a robust flavour, though not too strong to put off children who are used to milder British cheeses.

The egg was fried and worked beautifully with the cheese and ham. The crêperie also offers a scrambled egg version – Galette of the Henhouse – as one of its breakfast specials, available from 9am to 11.30am (£5.40 including a hot drink).

The sweet crêpes were much-anticipated by the children and their chocolate and pineapple version barely touched the sides.

The wonderful chocolate sauce is made to the owners’ special recipe but don’t ask how it’s made – it’s a closely guarded secret.

The adults’ apple and cinnamon crêpe was packed with flavour. Don’t forget to try the flavoured hot chocolates too – my vanilla version was superbly creamy and frothy.

There are some excellent milkshakes on offer too, including banana, chocolate and vanilla, at £2.90.

Crêpes Farm is conveniently situated right by the bus stop for the Poole to Bournemouth bus and within easy walking distance of Westbourne car parks.

Ottavio and Renata also organise childrens’ birthday parties at Crepes Farm at a cost of £4.99 per little person, including sweet crepes, fresh fuit juices and fun and games.

Our meal for four, including non-alcoholic drinks, cost £28.

You can contact Crepes Farm 07404 809392