Just the names of Stroud's cafés hint at the
variety on offer to weary shoppers or workers in search of a cuppa, a
snack or something more substantial: Crumbs, Old Lady Tea Shoppe, Woodruffs,
Mills, Penny Farthing, AngelCaféBar, Milano’s Pizza Parlour
– they hint at places with their own individual characters and cuisines.
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 Crumbs Café and Sandwich Bar |
And this is very much the case. From full English fry-ups to exotic baguettes to gluten-free cakes - it's all here. And the same goes for ambience. From no-nonsense caff to Olde Tea Shoppe to places that could have been transported from a Parisian boulevard (well almost). Starting at the top of High St, we have the alleyway that leads to the quiet haven of Witheys Yard and the town institution that is Mills Cafe. John and Maggie Mills founded the cafe 15 years ago and have been going strong ever since.
"The idea came out of travelling, especially in Europe," said John, recalling Portuguese coffee shops and Italian mamas serving from the family kitchen. "Although things in England have improved, twenty years ago you either had basic cafés or expensive restaurants, but nothing in between," he explained. Their formula of "keeping it mainstream" has stood the test of time. Three years ago they expanded into The Shambles, selling drinks and cakes at Mini Mills. "If you haven't got tourists, you depend on repeat customers, so you've got to keep it simple and consistent," said John.
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| Woodruffs 100% Organic Cafe |
Across High Street is Woodruffs, Britain's first totally organic café.
Here lunchtimes tend to be busy, with wholesome specials and soup selling
briskly. Most food is either vegetarian or vegan and nothing is microwaved.
At other times of day there is a somewhat continental feel when sitting
downstairs by the windows or outside in the summer. You can savour cappuccino
or caffe latte and watch the exotic life of Stroud go by. Upstairs is
a tea room with draped sofa and magazines, a family room with toys and
high chairs, and a back room that is ideal for meetings, seating 12.
Further down High Street is the no-frills Penny Farthing. Capacious and generally busy, this provides a range of traditional café fare, such as full English fried breakfasts. Round the corner in Bedford Street, Mother Nature is renowned for its baguettes. This well established favourite also offers an appetising range of quiches and baked potatoes. The tasty take-aways are also justifiably popular. Opposite the Subscription Rooms is Crumbs, in George Street, offering filling lunchtime specials such as pork, chicken or beef with three veg. Three rooms offer a choice of ambience. Across the road on Russell Street is The Brunch, serving fried meals, steaks and pizzas. It is also licensed and sells wines and beers.
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| Staff of the Old Lady Tearooms |
The prize for most interesting name goes to the establishment above Walkers
bakery in Kendrick Street. Old Lady Tea Shoppe has its entrance in Threadneedle
Street and is named after the famous old lady of the London street of
the same name, the Bank of England. The board outside lists a good range
of bakes including chicken and broccoli, tuna and pasta, macaroni cheese,
and lasagne. Upstairs, the slowly revolving fans and the muted chink of
china give an atmosphere rather like a Yorkshire tea shop. Although rather
tucked away, it is particularly popular at lunchtime with town centre
workers, according to manager Jodie Walker.
It all adds up to something for everyone. For a small town we're spoilt for choice - a range of establishments each with its own character, each offering its own distinct style of pit-stop out of the daily routine. Take your pick - and bon appetit.
© Jeremy Wade - Stroud, News & Journal
