Piccolo Café sounds really intriguing, but I don't recall hearing any flutes playing when I walked in. In fact, the cafe was painfully quiet despite a few customers. You could easily eavesdrop to your hearts content in there.
The decor is kinda like a 60s house in Italy. Sort of arty and sort of old-fashioned mixed together. It's a reflection of Howick itself really. It has a heavily red theme, which I like, because red is an amazing colour. The seats were very comfortable and inviting.
The coffee was good. The food was fine, but not a large variety in the cabinet. Very run-of-the-mill selection: brownie, muffin, salad or caramel slice? Yes, you aren't jumping up and down for joy at their innovation, are you? I decided to go with a menu item: bacon and egg toastie - can't go wrong with that. It was nice, but not mind blowing. read more