Bits and bites: Cirencester’s top 5 connected cafes

It was pretty chilly outside the other morning, and in our case, it was pretty cold inside too. The central heating had not come on because the boiler pressure was too low. Well, non-existent, actually. There then followed frantic Googling for the instruction manual: one of the few unheralded joys of the web is being able to find a manual online to replace the one you know you have somewhere but are unlikely to find. After some more faffing, um-ing and ah-ing, and an abortive attempt or two to fix things, we finally got it sorted. Problem solved, and the prospect of having to spend a day at home waiting for an engineer to come and fix it, was gone.

Sticky toffee pudding at Toro Lounge

Proper milkshake thanks to He Says She Waffles

The fabulous apple pie waffle

That prospect of having to stay home, or close to home, in order to accommodate an imprecisely-specified appointment with an engineer, had led me to wonder about where I might usefully base myself in order to remain local and get some work done. Home is the obvious option, but what if I wanted to be in town, and need to be connected? Where could I sit, order the occasional drink and perhaps my lunch, while all the time continuing my Canutian struggle against the inexorably rising tide of email in my inbox. If that doesn’t strike you as a pressing concern – and there is no reason why it should – then perhaps you just need to find some WiFi to keep those special teenagers from predicting the apocalypse if they can’t open their latest Snapchat. Either way, the idea of checking out the WiFi in the various hangouts around town took root and grew and has led to this.

In a lot of our posts we talk lovingly – with good reason – about the location, the food and drink, the atmosphere, etc., that we are really very fortunate to get to enjoy. But also being able to be connected while enjoying such places is important to many, so if it is something you care about, hopefully you’ll find it useful. We’ve already started with our research, with the first couple of results below.

NB: For upload and download higher is better; for the ping, lower is better. While they’re not super controlled and scientific – for example, one place might be more crowded than another, the grading system used by the app gives a good idea.

The WiFi List (with a little nod towards the food and drink!):

1. The Cafe at the New Brewery Arts: we’ve written about the Brewery Cafe before, and that we are big fans, not least of the salads and the cakes. Now it turns out that the WiFi is pretty good too, proving to be in the top quartile in the UK. As if there was not already plenty to like about the Brewery Cafe – did you try the mince pies over Christmas – it turns out it is a place you could happily stay all day and stay connected all day.
   
2. Caffe Nero: probably our favourite out of the three High Street coffee mainstays. It is also a popular hangout for those needing to crack on with some work while wanting to be in a social environment. The espresso is passable, the panettoncino always a nice accompaniment, and the WiFi courtesy of The Cloud is pretty good too.
   
3. Waterstones Cafe: somewhere we’ve been meaning to pay a visit, not least because of their focus on local suppliers. With suppliers like Whiddett’s and Lavender Bakehouse you know you’re going to eat well, and the comfy chairs do encourage you to linger. There is free WiFi, too, although according to the numbers, it does lag the Brewery Arts Cafe, being in the slowest 20% of hotspots in the UK.
   
4. He Says She Waffles: this has always been one of our favourite places to go for a treat – the apple pie waffle that drips with caramelised apples and sultanas while the whipped cream slowly melts over it all is a thing of beauty just to behold, let alone eat. The new additions to the savoury part of the menu mean we’ll be going back there for a full waffle-based meal. WiFi is essential here for me, as Blackjack Street contrives to cut me off, so the fact that they have it is a big plus. It’s not the speediest, but it’s more than functional – we worked there without issue and even posted content. Also worth a mention is that this is just a great place to hang out – there’s invariably a fun vibe that feels great to be a part of.
   
5. The Toro Lounge: we’ve always had an ambivalent relationship with the Toro Lounge; it’s not somewhere we make a bee line for, yet it is somewhere we keep returning to and thinking: “actually, this place does have a lot going for it.” While the decor – particularly the dim lighting – is not to my personal liking, I am compelled to admit that the places as a whole does have a rather nice “hangout” vibe that leaves you happy to linger for much longer than you might have planned. And they’ve plenty of space, so you never have to worry that you might be depriving others of a place to sit and eat. Add to this the all day menu, a decent standard of coffee and tea and of course the complementary WiFi and you have the makings of an excellent place to install yourself should the need (or the fancy) arise. The WiFi is not super-speedy (see below), connectivity is relatively simple, quick and stable.
   

5 places for a Christmas day tipple

 

As the lights switch on in our beloved Cirencester and the festive spirit begins to fill the air, the anticipation of a few days to celebrate with friends and family building, we turn our thoughts to celebrations. We love the pre-Christmas parties, hunting for stocking fillers, planning menus and putting up the decorations around the house.

When it comes to the big day, as much as we like to get cosy and spend the day with the family, we always build in a little break, to pop out and toast Christmas with friends. It breaks the day and it gets us out of the house for some fresh air. After unwrapping the presents, breakfast and some food prep, we dress up in our festive gear and hit the road to a jolly country pub to meet friends for the customary Christmas day aperitif. Mine is usually a Bloody Mary with all the trimmings, Worcester sauce, celery salt, pepper, lemon, horseradish and a drop of sherry. Yes, you heard right – sherry: it may sound naff but it really lifts the whole thing, a proper pick-me-up!

When it comes to the choice of pub, it has to be a traditional Cotswold pub, cosy and friendly, with a big open fire and local community. We used to visit the Seven Tuns in Chedworth in its heyday, when it was the beating heart of the surrounding countryside. On Christmas day it would be brimming with the locals coming in for a tipple, sporting wellies, dogs and collecitvely, enough tweed to reupholster all the furniture in the place. Talk about festive, the friendly hubbub was the spirit of Christmas itself, and we’d sit around the crackling fire and listen to the chatter, stroke the dogs and delight in the beauty of the countryside from the windows set within the thick stone walls. Over the years we have tried a few other places, all – happily – equally charming and heart-warming in their way. This year we’ve yet to make up our mind, but we have a few strong candidates lined up, that we’d like to share with all our Cotswold readers. And if you’ve any recommendations, we’d just love to hear them! The current shortlist reads thus:

	1. The Golden Heart. A lovely, cosy, traditional – it dates back to the 16th Century, no less – pub that sits in a dip on the A419 between Cirencester and Birdlip, with a log fire and lots of personality. You can perch on a stool or sit at a table in one of the quaint nooks and crannies. Real ales and hearty pub food on offer too. And a-mazing banoffee pie. http://www.thegoldenheart.co.uk/
2. The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney. A chalky pink farmhouse that stands out as you drive along the old Cheltenham road, this delightful pub is set within beautiful countryside and by a gentle stream. Genteel and beautifully refurbished, it has lots of character and that almost essential open fire. It is always lively and jolly and the food is always very good. It has good WiFi too, which is useful for any teenagers that you may have reluctantly agreed to be dragged away from the television. http://www.bathurstarms.co.uk/contact.htm
3. The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns. We are big fans of this little jewel of a pub. It has atmosphere, great food, friendly service and it is set in the heart of a charming Cotswold village. And we know it is frequented by one of the best chefs up and down the country. Bob from Made by Bob. Need you say more?  http://www.thenewinncoln.co.uk/
4. The Inn at Fossebridge. Charm itself, this is an idyllic place, a cosy, warm place set within a gorgeous garden and by a stream – with dreamy walks accessible from the back. I’ll let you into a little secret. We call it ‘the Dibley pub’. If you are familiar with that awesome series, ‘The vicar of Dibley’, you’ll probably get the feeling of what we mean. It is your classic village pub, where people meet to chat and gossip – a million miles away from the frantic pace of life in the fast lane. Talk about therapeutic! http://www.thenewinncoln.co.uk/
5. The Twelve Bells, Cirencester. We are, after all, Cirencestrians, so no list would be complete without a local. A historical pub right in the heart of Cirencester, with a tradition of serving real ales, the Twelve Bells is an unfussy, yet cosy, kind of pub with that has maintained an old-fashioned charm which is, where possible, what’s required on Christmas day. It is popular and friendly and it serves tasty pub food. http://www.twelvebellscirencester.com

Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester

Sometimes you feel the need to go somewhere unfussy and cheerful, where the values that inspire the business transpire into what you see and what you buy. The love for nature and respect for the environment inform how Abbey Home Farm shop and coffee shop are run. It is the very essence of the place. It is a calm yet joyful milieu, with an abundance of seasonal produce grown on the land around the farm or sourced from other organic growers. The flavour of the fruit and vegetables you acquire here is such that it will take your dishes to a whole new level. Beyond veg, you can buy meat, grains, pulses, cakes and confectionery here, all of which taste great. As a keen cook I am a strong believer in letting the natural flavours of quality ingredients speak for themselves; I remember getting a leg of lamb here for Easter lunch and my guests were hugely complimentary about how it tasted – it really made all the difference!

I love coming here even if it’s just to hang out. Whatever the season, you always have a sense of it by the produce on the shelves and the surrounding countryside, whether it’s pumpkin and mushroom-laden shelves in the autumn or gorgeous bunches of assorted field flowers and an abundance of tomatoes and courgettes in the summer. There is a lovely area out front with some wooden chairs and tables where you can enjoy your drinks and food from the coffee shop and restaurant, under the trees, and let the kids play free-range on the climbing frame and swings.

Inside, the restaurant is a light and airy place with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. It’s not fancy, but it’s not meant to be. They do a mean roast dinner on a Sunday and great trays of succulent roast vegetables during the week as well as colourful, scrumptious, nutritious salads. The cakes are not elaborate or refined either but they positively burst with flavour. The lemon drizzle, polenta and orange or flapjacks are all robust and satisfying.

The farm runs seasonal events too: I once came here for a cookery course, invited by a friend of mine who had received it as a Christmas present. It was a one-dayer on their house salads – and it was a thoroughly pleasant experience. I picked up some great tips, too. There is normally a farm day in the summer, with tractor rides and access to the animals on the farm for the amusement of kids and adults alike. Out at the back of the shop there is an area devoted to furniture and gifts, as well as some natural cosmetic ranges and some books too. Enough to keep you interested and amused for a good half hour.

With all that is on offer in town, it is so easy to overlook Abbey Home Farm (or the Organic Farm, as we call it at home). But it is an oversight that is easily corrected if you just want to pick up a few groceries and maybe get a bite to eat. We have made a promise to ourselves that we will make the effort to get there more often, and we think that you should too. And as it’s autumn with all the fantastic flavour the season offers, there’s probably no better time.

 

Top seven for brunch in the Cotswolds

Brunch, what a great institution. It has become popular in recent years and it makes a lot of sense. If you get up too late for breakfast and too early for lunch at the weekend, and you are ready for some sustenance, you can enjoy a healthy feast and still virtuously declare you skipped a meal and you would not be lying. It has such a festive and convivial feel to it, and what better way to catch up with family and friends! Ensure the atmosphere is right for you – whether cosy and intimate, rural and picturesque or elegant and refined – the Cotswolds have something to offer to the hungry but discerned diner. I wish we could make brunch an official everyday tradition!

Enjoy the superb sourdough and stroll by the river at Lynnwood & Co in Lechlade, delight in the organic feast and the relaxed vibe at The Canteen in Nailsworth, pick yourself up with a super-hearty meal at Jesse Smith’s Farm Cafe in Cirencester, enjoy the elegant ambiance and excellent food at Made by Bob in Cirencester, join the genteel Cotswold folk in the bright & airy Lavender Bakehouse in Chalford or go boho and celebrate the weekend in a relaxed fashion at Blue Zucchini in Tetbury.

Smashed Avocado with Feta and Mint

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1. The Canteen (Nailsworth)
2. Lavender Bakehouse (Chalford)
3. Lynwood & Co (Lechlade)
4. Jesse Smith’s Farm Shop & Cafe (Cirencester)
5. Cafe at the Gateway Centre (South Cerney)
6. Blue Zucchini (Tetbury)
7. Made by Bob (Cirencester)

The magnificent seven – for location

 

The Black Horse, Amberley. Luscious views over the Stroud valley.

The Lock Cafe in Stroud. A canal-side haven.

The Crown at Frampton Mansell. Cotswold bucolic splendour

So you are not content with good food, quality coffee and luscious cakes. You want somewhere that will feed your eyes and soul too. Green pastures, shimmering water and verdant valleys dotted with cute stone cottages, plumes of blue smoke rising from their chimneys…Not a problem, in our picturesque region – all you need to do is know where to go – and we are glad to point you in the direction of a few beauty spots we treasure…

1. The Crown at Frampton Mansell. A delightful traditional pub with excellent food and a lively atmosphere, perched on a beauty spot with remarkable views and a sunny terrace. True bucolic splendour.
2. The Black Horse in Amberley. A pub full of character, just off the spectacular Minchinghampton common, set in the enchanting village of Amberley. the terraced garden has amazing views over the Stroud Valley. Well frequented by the local rural elite!
3. The Upper Lock Cafe in Stroud. A charming, cosy hideaway cafe with personality, an organic vibe and a canal-side setting. Lovely cakes and healthy salads!
4. The Campden Coffee Co in Chipping Campden. Set in lovely Chipping Campden, one of the jewels of the Cotswolds, Campden Coffee Co is light and bright – a lovely relaxed environment where you can relax over a decent coffee and some delicious cakes and snacks.
5. The Bell at Sapperton. A refined pub and restaurant serving excellent food in a  charming village location with a delightful garden area. A top choice with the Cotswold elite!
6. Gusto in Cheltenham. In fashionable Montpellier, the Italian inspired cafe serves tasty food in the leafy part of town, overlooking the park and next to some of the best boutiques for some choice shopping!
7. The rooftop restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon. Fancy some refreshments before or after your Shakespeare fix in Stratford? The rooftop restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Company affords great views over the river Avon and is perfect for your pre-theatre dining or indeed for a post-shopping treat! Elegant surroundings and food alike.

Veloton: of bikes and coffee

 

The Velominati. You may not have heard of them until now, but they are out there. They are the dedicated hard-core cyclists that we see out on the road in increasing numbers. They take their cycling seriously. Very seriously. So much so, in fact, that they have their own set of rules about the sport they love. You can tell how seriously they take these rules by reading rule #1: “Obey the rules.” They are a great read, highly entertaining even if you are not in to cycling yourself. It governs everything to do with cycling: the clothes (colour, type, how to wear them), behaviour (etiquette is very important), and even what to drink. There is even a rule about coffee – rule #56 – which states which espresso-based coffee drinks are acceptable to be worn while in cycling gear. That rule in full: “When wearing cycling kit and enjoying a pre or post ride coffee, it is only appropriate to drink espresso or macchiato. If the word soy/skim latte is heard to be used by a member wearing cycling apparel, then that person must be ceremonially beaten with Co2 canisters or mini pumps by others within the community.”

As you can see, combining coffee and bikes is a serious business, but when done well, it is a pleasing thing. And that is exactly the theme at Veloton: a charming, small coffee and bike shop in Tetbury. At Veloton, the two go together like Ol’ Blue Eyes’ proverbial horse and (non pedal-powered) conveyance.

What’s attractive about Veloton? First off, I like the themed coffee shop thing – it adds interest. Although I am no professional cyclist (no cyclist at all, in fact), I find it interesting to marvel at the latest silhouettes, features and gadgets  – watching the expert repairs going on in the workshop at the back.

What’s more, the coffee is gooooood, Eddy Merckx good in fact, and the healthy snacks – particularly the flapjacks – are the ideal refuel for the keen cyclist or, why not, for a busy shopper like me. The cakes are robust and tasty and served in generous portions. Seriously – what’s not to love?

The service deserves a special mention: it’s friendly, attentive and personal. It always comes with a smile – these guys really make you feel like you are part of their club, and I have not been near a bike in at least a decade. I have to say, I did like sitting at the bar, looking out over Tetbury’s town centre and watching my fellow Cotswoldians go by.

Afterwards, you may perhaps decide to pop into the Highgrove shop for a quick marvel at their exquisite (if pricey) gardening and homeware accessories. What is more likely, though, is that you’ll feel you were much more at home with a coffee and the cog-noscenti (no apologies for the pun). In doing so, you may decide to create your own new rule: “If you think you need to leave the cafe, don’t. Once you’ve found a good coffee shop, stay there as long as you can, and then a bit longer still.”

 

Campden Coffee Co.

Chipping Campden, a quintessential and genteel Cotswold village amid bucolic splendour, is definitely worth a visit. Explore its picturesque streets and discover enchanting spaces, impressive mansions, refined restaurants and fine boutique hotels, all behind a rustic Cotswold stone facade. Should you require refreshments, the Campden Coffee Co. will provide a charming, rustic, and intimate environment where you can relax and enjoy some decent beverages, tasty and imaginative cakes and savoury food snacks. What I find delightful is that at the Campden Coffee Co. you can never forget you are in the Cotswolds – the stone walls, the unvarnished wood furniture, the cottage garden views from the windows – are all consistent with the local environment.

The cakes are innovative – try the red wine and fig cake, so flavoursome and redolent of the region’s Roman connections, that you could almost imagine it being served in one of the triclinia of the roman villas that dotted the Cotswolds a couple of millennia ago. The paninis and sandwiches are tasty and made with local ingredients and the atmosphere is one of village conviviality. Light and bright with friendly service, the coffee shop is situated in the Old Silk Mill – also home to the Gallery at the Guild – a cooperative of artists and craftspeople exhibiting their work in the historic home of the Guild of Handicraft. You can delight your senses for a while and browse through works of pottery, painting, jewellery and more.

The coffee is their own brand and when you look at the beans in the grinder they are a tantalising dark brown. Dark roast coffee is not my personal favourite, but this is still a coffee that is a cut above your average Costa or Starbucks. A guest roast might be a nice addition, perhaps. The hot chocolate received approval from the youngest in our party, doubtless won over by the calorific addition of cream and marshmallows, but still, who would blame her. A nice touch, and one that I always take time to appreciate, is the bottle of water, complete with glasses for you to help yourself to. There are lovely soft drinks as well: two – yes, two – variants of Elderflower Pressé, and the Folkington’s juices are spot on, and cloudy as ever!

This may sound like a place for the sophisticates, but it really is somewhere for the whole family, kids and all. There is a lightness to the place, and the presence of some broad games on the shelves, definitely makes Campden Coffee Co. a place to take the whole family. Our junior reviewer said it was nice, and the cakes were “very interesting”. While we did not get to sample the hot food, we will be sure to head back there for lunch some time this summer. For now, if you’re there, pay it a visit, and see what you think.

Made By Bob The Deli

Deli spin-off of one of Cirencester’s best loved eateries.

Made by Bob is an institution in Cirencester, so much so that when the restaurant closed for refurbishment last year, it was instantly missed. While closed, up sprung The Deli whence, happily, we could all still retire to get our Bob fix of the fine salads, charcuterie and cakes. The restaurant has of course now reopened, but The Deli has remained, and that is unquestionably a good thing. Now, if all you fancy is tea and cake or a light bite to eat, you can do so in much more apposite surroundings, rather than contending with diners who are in the mood for a more genuinely lunch experience.

The menu at Made by Bob the Deli retains the Mediterranean influences of its restaurant sibling.

You lose none of the quality of experience in The Deli that you enjoyed in the restaurant; indeed with a frontage actually exposed to oodles of natural light instead of being sequestered in the Corn Hall, the aspect is arguably better, particularly for what is a casual eatery. And when the sun comes out it gets even better still, and you can enjoy your food al fresco or while basking behind those enormous plate glass windows watching the Corinium world go by. The menu, too, is as light, sun-kissed (as much as it can be) and Mediterranean, staying close to that of its restaurant sibling with, among other things, immambayeldi, Greek salad, olives and much more to tempt one with. While the setting, even with the sun out, will never come close to anywhere on the Med., the menu and locale team up to provide one with a very decent spot to have lunch.

The salads remain as fresh, varied and as enticing as ever, with combinations of ingredients that have you at times salivating at the mere thought of eating them. The paninis and sandwiches are a nice option too, again with fillings that are generous, and alive with flavour. Made By Bob is known for its use of quality ingredients, and it always shows, from the everyday to the more exotic. This of course extends to the sweeter end of the menu spectrum as well, with pastries and cakes that are so light and emollient you don’t know whether to eat them or plump them up further to lay your head upon.

Drinks are good too. There are decent espresso-based coffee drinks made with good coffee, although don’t expect flavours at the level of Rave or Cotswold Artisan Coffee. This is not a criticism; this is still good coffee with a distinct flavour, but the evidently darker roast does have a more linear flavour. If you like tea, more precisely green tea, then this is the place: the green tea at Made by Bob has always been, to my mind, the best green tea in town. Scented with a hint – just hint, nothing cloying – of wild strawberries and pink pepper corns, it is delightful, whether lightening the palate mid-summer, or taking off the chill of our now-all-too-common perma-autumn days. We have not tried the freshly made smoothies, but the flavour combinations, when you read them, make abundant sense and are likely equally full of flavour.

In short, Made By Bob The Deli is a welcome addition – if ‘addition’ is the right word – to the town centre. The quality has not diminished with the absence of formality, and having an outside area and some good daylight pouring through the windows is really very pleasant. While we didn’t expect it to stay, we are unequivocally glad it has.

Blue Zucchini

​The boho vibe that embraces you as you enter the Blue Zucchini brasserie makes you want to sing Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder songs out loud and dance around carefree in colourful clothing. Or maybe I just had a strong espresso last time I was there.

Joking aside, the atmosphere at ‘Blu Zu’ is part of the reason we keep going back for more. Helped, of course, by smiley and energetic staff, good background music, singular – though undoubtedly fun – decor, and to top it all, the food: good, authentic, flavoursome, no-nonsense food. From the zesty, moreish tomato soup (served with chunky bread), to the fresh and satisfying tomato and mozzarella salad – crisp leaves, tasty tomatoes and the creamiest mozzarella, finished with the perfect dressing – the food has never disappointed. The portions are generous and the choice of fresh ingredients shows up in the quality of the final product.

And for healthier (more robust) appetites the egg & chips is legendary – a simple dish that is executed well, but also one that has increasing appeal merely for the fact it is served in enamelled cast iron bowls. It sounds rudimentary, but it really works, making a dish that everyone wants to tuck in to. If you’re there slightly earlier in the day, the exceedingly hearty full-English is there for hungry parents and children alike: a fantastic brunch option.

We have spent many a happy hour observing the comings and goings – plenty of cyclists visit this place en route for a well earned break, a giant pot of tea and a large helping of one of the delicious home-made cakes (I recommend the coffee & walnut and the Victoria sponge!!). Another particular favourite is the treacle tart; made with lemon zest which sets off the richness and sweetness, it goes down very well with a hot cup of tea. It is one of life’s little pleasures to enjoy, sitting out the front and watching the Cotswold world go by.

Back to that decor, though. This really is one of the reasons we like Blue Zucchini. The walls are covered with interesting magazine cuttings, graffiti and memorabilia a lot of which dates back so far, it is almost achingly back on trend. It all conspires to keep you entertained and sparking new topics of conversation – be warned though, that you will have to explain to the kids that the round plastic discs on the wall are not large CDs but actual vinyl records. In the summer you can sit out the back in the yard, surrounded by pot plants and flower climbers, savouring one of the delicious milkshakes – the kids just love them. The whole place has a very particular charm, one to which we succumb willingly and frequently. For brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea, it always seems to have something you want.

The Wednesday Whinge

The Cafe @Waitrose

I am all for being positive. In fact, I try to live my life always thinking that the best is ahead of us and that people have but the best intentions at heart. But sometimes the truth must out, if anything to ensure a gentle nudge towards improvement. Think of this as constructive criticism.

I have been a big fan of Waitrose for years and I think that we can consider ourselves fortunate to have one locally – to pop in and find all sorts of quality food and delicacies – it always does the trick of lifting the spirits of a foodie. Have an urgent need for lobster bisque, run out of tamari sauce or need to replenish your supply of quinoa? Waitrose will never disappoint. Its staff are helpful and courteous at all times. Its food fresh and top quality.

Rational, linear thought would lead you to expect its eponymous café would benefit from the same quality. Alas, that remains a dream rather than reality.

Let’s begin with the space and its furnishings. The café benefits from a lovely aspect, with natural daylight streaming in, so why is it necessary to have that harsh, clinical lighting that gives the grey furniture, flooring and accessories that washed-out, anaemic look? I walk in and I am unsure whether to have a cappuccino or my appendix removed.

The tables are packed tightly – no doubt to create that conviviality amongst the customers (ahem) – leaving little room for any pleasing touches that could brighten and soften the ambiance. How about some potted plants, some warm lighting, some textural fabrics, some little colourful touches to bring it to life? And I bet you could get most of the stuff from Waitrose homeware department. It would make you want to linger and little longer, maybe even buy a second cuppa. Which brings me to the next topic – the beverages.

I have no doubt they are made with only the best ingredients, as that is what Waitrose sells after all, and yet, the final product is one of indistinct flavour – fitting in with the grey-tinged furniture and lighting. I’ve been back time and again – as my brain refuses to process the notion that quality drinks cannot be had there – and yet, I am left disappointed every time.

And finally. the food on offer could certainly enjoy wider variety and creative flair. Don’t get me wrong, we love a Ploughman’s and a choccy éclair, but sometimes you just fancy a change.

I just think the potential is so vast that it’s frustrating to see it unfulfilled. It’s like watching someone wasting a good hand at poker. Let’s hope they up their game!