For the connoisseurs
– Italian perfection is to be found at Massaro’s,
while Hot Numbers sets its own standards
with a changing menu of beans fresh from its very own micro-roastery. Both have
a respectable repertoire of edible treats, with Hot Numbers offering the sweet
stickiness of chelsea buns from Fitzbillies to balance the bitter bite of its
coffee and Massaro’s providing a tempting selection of organic sourdough
sandwiches, with fillings such as Gloucester Old Spot sausage with apricot and
ginger relish.
For the sweet tooth – just as crucial as the coffee kick
is a mid-afternoon sugar hit, and the array of goodies on offer at Fitzbillies and Stickybeaks hits the spot perfectly. Fitzbillies gets top marks for
traditional treats such as chelsea buns (claimed to be invented here), scrummy scones,
generous slices of Victoria Sponge and bakewell tarts, while Stickybeaks has an
enticingly inventive spread of yummies, from peanut butter-caramel-banana loaf,
to mulled wine chocolate cake, to pecan fudge shortbread…and the list goes on.
Counteract the indulgence with a healthy salad if you’re stopping for lunch – combinations
such as broccoli, almond and mangetout or feta, pomegranate and watermelon offer
exciting alternatives to the usual limpid lettuce and tomato options.
For the studious
– if coffee is what gets you through an essay, try The Union Café Bar or Waterstone’s
for a tranquil change of scene. Photographs of famous speakers adorning the
Union’s walls ought to provide sufficient inspiration for times of essay crisis
– and the prices are student-friendly too. Waterstone’s has a similarly
studious vibe, although the temptation to pack up the laptop and immerse oneself
in travel guides or escapist fiction might prove too much for some…
For the hungry –
if you’re looking for more than just a cracking coffee, head to Limoncello or Urban Larder, both on Mill Road. With slabs of authentic
bruschetta, mouthwatering olives, and wonderfully fresh antipasti, Limoncello offers a delicious slice of Italy – if
you manage to leave without a wedge of pannetone or a pot of homemade pesto,
your willpower deserves serious praise. Or for a taste of home, you can’t beat
Urban Larder – all its products are sourced from within a 50-mile radius. The
pies and quiches are wonderfully hearty, and on a cold winter’s day there’s
nothing better than the organic soup served in a freshly-baked loaf.
