This splendidly traditional coffee and sandwich shop is a real haven in the most grotty stretch of…read moreBroadmead shops. With its dark woody interior, pretty tables and chairs, mirrors, pictures and classic tea trays, it would be very at home on an old postcard. It can get quite packed during the lunch rush hour, of course, but there's plenty of room and lots of seating throughout and some outside on the pavement.
Hot jacket potatoes with lots of different fillings, great sandwiches, cakes, fruit; it's all spread out for you to choose from - you fill your tray and then take it up to the counter and pay, so it's actually quite a quick and efficient process. You don't really have to do any ordering at all, and there's none of that frustrating nonsense you get in chain coffee shops where you have to repeart your order to a different person taking the money.
I'd say it's not the best place for a quiet, peaceful coffee break on your own or for a catch-up with a friend, because it's quite busy and loud. It's more the sort of place you'd come to have a quick bite and a sit down during a shopping day in Broadmead. There are quite a lot of young kids and babies in here as it's very family-friendly and there's space for buggies. Just be prepared for a quick lunch in a comfortable cafe without lingering, and you won't be disappointed.