This unassuming little cafe is situated in a hidden nook in the picturesque Cotswolds village of the same name. Being attached to a shop you may think the food is going to be average, but you’d be mistaken.
After hearing good things, we drove 40 minutes out of Witney to see what all the fuss was about!
We didn’t know how big it was and what the outdoor seating arrangements were (there are only 5 outdoor tables). If we had, we may have timed it differently. We arrived just in time for the lunch rush and therefore had to wait 40 minutes to get a table outside (there were tables inside but we had Ralphie in toe!). The vibe is very low key and laid back, so you need to make yourself known – we were milling for a while before heading inside to make sure we’d been seen.
The wait was well and truly worth it…
… despite the hanger setting in! The service once we were seated was friendly and attentive. It instantly feels more upmarket than a cafe when the water arrives in a lovely jug with weighty cut glasses, with ice and ribbons of cucumber running through it.
Holly ordered the lamb koftas with mint and pea cous cous and a mint yoghurt. The lamb skewers were meaty, tender and full of herbs and spices laid on a bed of cous cous with fresh peas, feta and pomegranate seeds. The saltiness of the feta with the sweetness of the peas and pomegranate seeds were a pure delight. The mint yoghurt came on the side and was a perfect accompaniment.
Rachel ordered the cornish crab bagel. This delicious crunchy poppy seed bagel was jam packed with smoked salmon, creamy avocado, fresh crab meat and topped with rocket. Don’t expect to keep all the fillings in, it’s generously stuffed. It came with a crunchy homemade slaw and the salad leaves were dressed with a honey and mustard dressing which elevated all of the flavours.
We finished our meals with a Newground Iced coffee which was also absolutely delicious. This time we managed to avoid the very appealing looking doughnuts in the cafe! If you want to extend your visit, we would recommend doing the circular walk to Batsford or stopping in Stowe on your way home for a mooch and a drink! A perfect way to spend the weekend.
In a nutshell: A blooming good village cafe serving food to restaurant standard!
We’ll definitely be back, next time for dinner without the dog!
Price: Just under £25 for the both of us with drinks.
Bell Ln, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9BB
01386 701054
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