5 /5 Walter Brazil: This is one of Ashford’s special little gems. You would not really notice it and when you do, you might overlook it.
Firstly, don’t be fooled by the smallish street facing front, it is really spacious and goes back for miles and widens out. So, in case you glance and think it’s full, they most likely have space for you.
Secondly, the staff are second to none. They don’t have a slow or bad one amongst them. Of particular note is the young lady who seems to run the show (sorry I don’t know names) who literally knows everyone and their name. There is a real community feel to the place with obviously regulars who are often somewhat older locals. That said, it does not feel like you’re an unwelcome or ignored stranger at a private party and tolerated, it’s all round welcoming and warm. Table service is friendly, polite, fast and efficient.
Food options are wide. The omelettes are good, the lasagne is substantial and of course the fried breakfasts are a speciality. They don’t use cheap sausages or beans and everything comes (quickly) cooked to perfection without half a pint of oil on the plate. Greasy spoon yes, greasy no… They also excel with their coffee from a proper coffee machine, no nasty instant here. They make coffee that equals the Costa’s of the world and you get one free with the big breakfasts. So if you think a Costa is £3.90 and you get one free with a big £12.99 breakfast, it’s all actually very good value for how much many eateries cost today….
They do a lot of vegetarian options even with the breakfasts and have non cow milk options for those who avoid cow milk. I’m not saying it’s vegan heaven, but I’ve heard them be very accommodating to non-animal product requests rather than the blank stares you might get elsewhere.
All in all, this is a bona fide café which makes you feel welcome, serves food in good portions with speed and warmth and had a local community feeling to it that is welcoming and not exclusive. If you wanted to experience the ‘greasy spoon’ experience as a newbie, this would be the first place I’d recommend locally no doubt!
Give it a go, you won’t regret it and, most likely, you’ll keep coming back.
