THE Dutch house art café and ecological gardens in Crayke offers an unique opportunity to enjoy organic produce and food alongside nature, art and wildlife.

A new menu has also been created by chef Mirella Campana, who recently joined the cafe along with expanded opening hours.

The old favourites are still available. However, inventive and creative cook Mirella has inspired further selections of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, including spinach, feta and mushroom and spicy chick pea pancakes and breakfast pancakes.

There is also a selection of homemade cakes, full English or continental breakfasts, light lunches, homemade soups and Dutch specialities such as their famous pancakes and poffertjes.

Mirella said: “Cooking for me is very much about good quality, natural, healthy ingredients and time taken to cook a meal is never time wasted.

"I lived in Florence, in Italy, for 11 years and learnt the importance of taking time to prepare food and allowing time to sit with family or friends and share a meal together.

"I've introduced a 'pancake with an Italian twist' which is available on Thursdays and Fridays and unsurprisingly the first one had to be 'Crespelle alla Fiorentina', oven-baked Florentine pancakes stuffed with spinach and ricotta. I've also introduced a vegan cake to the menu so now there really is something for everyone.”

The Dutch house supports local suppliers for fresh ingredients which are prepared with home-grown vegetables and everything is cooked to order. The cafe offers a choice of Dutch cheeses, lagers and even sell some delicious Dutch products to enjoy at home in between your visits.

When Mirella is not in the kitchen cooking she hand carves avocado stones which are then made into jewellery, selling her products under “Non Solo Guacamole” a name which reflects her Italian heritage and also connects with cooking, her real passion.

A wide array of her pieces are currently for sale in Christmas Pop-Up Shop in Kunsthuis Gallery across the courtyard.

The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday all year round, from 10am to 5pm, apart from the owners' annual holiday from Monday, December 21 to Tuesday, January 12.

The Dutch house is on the road between Crayke and Brandsby. For more information, go to dutchhouseyorkshire.com or phone 01347 889431.