A Change For The Better
Our Cafe is the heart of the business; it’s where meals are shared and happy exchanges happen, all made possible by our dedicated team, who have been working together in the first half of January to improve the space for everybody. As a result, the area is now bang-on-trend; from the horticultural heritage inspired décor to the floor-to-ceiling windows giving a full view of our beautiful plant terraces and beyond, it is the perfect spot; if you’re looking for a leisurely break away from the everyday.
The new-look Cafe has kept some features that will be familiar to regulars – a coffee machine in its dining area pumping out a rich aroma and the steady rhythmic sound of our baristas at work. When it comes to coffee, we specialise in double-shot organic brews (from espressos upwards) with your choice of milk. House beans are sourced from our Antipodean friends at Allpress. Superior in taste to most others. The drinks menu offers much more than an excellent brew, though – try our delicious hot chocolate; you can add a shot of bourbon if you like.
Good provenance and local interest abound across sodas, craft beers, and natural wines. Our unique drinks offered in the past year have gained something of a cult following that we’re looking to build on in the year ahead; we invite guests to gather with friends and family while enjoying signature cocktails inspired by seasonal ingredients thoughtfully made using botanicals, herbs and edible flowers – including our lavender.
Our kitchen focuses on wholesome food, with backup from traditional cooked breakfasts, generously filled rolls, and vibrant salads with plenty of homemade cake. Locally sourced fresh ingredients bursting with flavours feature heavily in our kitchen, where every dish is prepared to order. Our cooks offer breakfast and lunch at set times throughout the week and tea and cake all day. At weekends our Cafe becomes a brunch beacon with excellent veggie/vegan options.
You’ll be glad to hear our infamous much-loved and never bettered Cake Counter remains, showcasing the best treats for miles around. Always an inviting centrepiece, the stainless steel bar is home to our great range of sweet treats: wonderfully rich, gooey chocolate brownies and zingy lemon and lavender cake amongst the stars of the show.
Rather than reimagining the Cafe entirely, we’ve enhanced the existing features with great care. The barn-like, exposed ceiling above the dining area is draped with bistro lights and hanging plants, and we’ve introduced a new palette of earthy greens in the form of a lick of paint to the tables. Our shelves are chock-full of great British food and drink. With plenty of room for all, the space allows for casual seating, surrounded and inspired by nature and evolving with the seasons. Fresh-cut, locally grown flowers (often from Richard’s garden) on the tables bring a sense of joy to proceedings.
We wish the new and improved Cafe will continue to offer everyone from families to locals with dogs a haven with its unhurried atmosphere and lovely service with some of the friendliest staff around! We look forward to welcoming you in 2023.
