FURNESS isn't perhaps best known for its cafe society. We aren't blessed with the climate, for one thing - partaking of coffee and patisseries in a howling gale doesn't do it for many people. Pavement dining Paris-style isn't really part of our culture. But that doesn't mean we are in any way short of smashing cafes in which to while away a convivial hour or so, ideally while watching the world go by.

Stollers in Barrow has had a cafe in its furniture store for some years now; and while it's more a case of watching sofa browsers - rather than the world - go by, it's long been a very popular place indeed for people in search of high-quality sustenance.

The cafe has recently undergone a major rebrand and refurb, and is now called 1905: Coffee and Kitchen. The name comes from the date this fourth-generation family firm was founded; and the style of it in parts nods to the Art Nouveau movement of that time.

Tucked in a corner of the store, the cafe is by no means small. It's got a buzz which is all too often missing from store cafes, and the decor is smart and stylish, if somewhat "fusion" in its execution. Exposed functional pipes and ducts on the ceiling combine with Art Nouveau-coloured banquettes, with squashy contemporary armchairs and traditional cafe-style seating. There's plenty of eclectic artwork on the walls for good measure, too.

My sister and I visited for lunch a couple of weeks ago, to find the place positively heaving with diners. We found a spare booth-style table and, diverting our eyes away from a sign requesting that it be used by groups of four at busy times, we settled ourselves at the table. The menu is classic cafe fare: soups, sandwiches, paninis, favourites including burger and fish and chips, and a daily specials board. They also serve traditional roasts on a Sunday.

We ordered at the counter: cappuccinos, a cheese and onion toasted sandwich for me, a chicken sandwich for Nicola and a portion of chips to share, which came to around £20 in total. Considering the cafe was so busy, the service was pleasingly swift, and our large and piping hot drinks appeared very quickly, delivered by a friendly waitress. Other customers were a mix of couples enjoying leisurely meals, ladies who lunch and a fair few people occupying the casual seating and catching up over coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate - I didn't inspect the contents of their cups).

When the food came, it was excellent and plentiful. My toastie oozed melted cheese and was delicious, with a creamy coleslaw and nicely dressed mixed salad. Nicola's sandwich was packed with tender chicken breast and - for her - just the right amount of mayonnaise. The chips were crisp and chunky and went down a treat. I'm not a huge fan of vinegar and sauces being served in individual sachets (which can be tricky to open and which always look untidy on the table) but that is my only real gripe about the service.

The cafe is open until 4pm Monday to Saturday and 3.30pm on Sundays and, judging by our lunchtime experience, I expect it's pretty busy most of the time. We enjoyed our visit and would definitely return, not least because our sandwiches were so filling that we couldn't find any room for the delicious-looking cakes available. The year 1905 was obviously a momentous one for the Stoller family and it is highly appropriate that they should pay homage to that date with the new name for the food side of their business. With this smart new cafe, it looks as though 2018 is going to be a pretty good year for them, too.

Food 4 Service 4 Atmosphere 4 Value 4

Pros Varied menu All home made Special dietary needs catered for

Cons No outlook, as it's part of a store Very busy at peak times