I was hopeful that we might have a good sourdough bakery when I popped into Bread by Bike's grand opening last Sunday (June 2017). My espresso aficionado friend was even more excited when she spotted a very good espresso machine. I also stopped by later in the week to see what it would be like on a regular day... and to give it a second chance.
The small cafe was chock-full of jovial neighbors and friends. Though it felt like a Victoria tube car at 5 pm on a Friday, we inched our way to the counter and ordered: an espresso, a latte, layered fruit/cream shortbread, cinnamon bun and sandwich. The latte was good. The espresso by itself was slightly bitter and overly acidic with very little crema. According to the aficionado, the server might not have been trained to pull a proper espresso or Bread by Bike use the wrong beans. The whole wheat (lots of brown bran bits) bread was tasty enough and had a chewy texture. But at £3.75 for a smallish loaf, I will keep buying Bumblebee's (a few doors down) £2.75 large loaf (twice the size and better tasting). The shortbread was so sweet that we tossed it out after we each tasted it. The cinnamon bun was yummy & very sticky/toffee-like, with a pretzel-textured dough. The grand opening gratis items included an Italian style flat bread with cheese and veggies that we liked a lot! Sadly, it is not on the regular menu.
I went back a few days later and found a serene environment, pleasant counter staff and only two other customers (one doing paperwork and another taking a breather). Everyone was more friendly than in an average cafe. 5 minutes later, the buggy crowd arrived... 7 of them, complete with 7 wee ones, some screaming - serenity replaced by chaos. While I don't begrudge parents a place to regain their sanity and socialize with adults, a small shop doesn't absorb such impact well. I sat at one of the sunny tables, sipping espresso (still not great: almost no crema and bitter). I will probably go back for an occasional latte when it is quiet, ever hopeful that the food/baked goods will improve and prices will be more reasonable. read more