Wired Cafe Bar, Nottingham

Whilst wandering through Nottingham yesterday evening, we walked past an espresso bar that we made a mental note to check out again during opening hours.

Being a bit forgetful, we had a rough idea of where it was, and retraced our steps, only this time we hit upon Wired Cafe Bar instead which was practically calling to us to come inside.

From the outside, I was reminded of some of the coffee shops we went to in London. Think high ceilings with retro furniture, wooden counter tops and daily specials.  There is even a downstairs area with more seating including some cozy looking loungers.

It was late morning, and we were greeted warmly and with a rundown of the breakfast options, including PANCAKES.

Sold.

I opted for the above whilst Nicky had a "posh breakfast" of a muffin with smoked salmon, poached egg and tomato.  Both were absolutely delicious, and accompanied by our usual latte and espresso.  Nicky felt it was the best he had in a long time, and my latte was perfect without the need for any sweetening.

In fact, we enjoyed our visit so much we popped back a couple of hours later to buy some coffee beans and hot chocolate, and this time Nicky said his espresso was even better than before! I went for loose leaf rooibos (one to bring the in-laws to!) which was served with great appreciation to detail including a small cup of milk if desired, and an egg timer to help me decide when it was ready.

Standards across the board were exceptionally high here. Our initial coffee hunt began in the hope of finding somewhere friendly, comfortable, with excellent coffee and nice food as an appreciated extra. Wired has it all, with the nifty bonus of free wifi for those who have bits and pieces to do.

Oh, and the cakes looked fabulous too. We had one that I can't say - biscuity base with coconut and custard and chocolate and YUM.

We'll be back!

Flavours in Matlock Bath

No photographs I'm afraid this time around, as battery was running low and I took the executive decision of ensuring my phone could adequately track the mammoth cycle ride we executed instead.

So, we decided yesterday to try to push ourselves a little bit more with our cycling. I say we, but really I am the main limitation in terms of speed and distance, but a 44 mile round trip to Matlock Bath certainly seemed do-able.

Two hours, and more hills than expected later, we arrived at Flavours eager for some caffeine and food.

Their menu was very accommodating, with options for coeliacs, although as hubby noted his baguette didn't come with butter (chicken and bacon) so was a little dry.  Suspect that due to their accommodating nature, one has to ask for what one actually wants rather than take options off that are generally assumed. I think this is actually a good approach as it is clear they are sensitive to allergies and with everything made fresh they can be sure to cater for everyone.  I had a cheese and pickle sandwich which was very tasty if unadventurous,but surpassed by a chocolate mint tiffin.

The coffee was pretty standard, as it was produced using a one button push machine, but it wasn't bitter and served it's purpose.

This friendly place deserves extra marks for being comfy and cosy, and even allowing us to bring the bicycles inside as they weren't packed full and the entranceway near the high table was clear. Very kind and will definitely see me returning, but hopefully we can find a more scenic route next time!

A detour in Epsom: Muffin Break

This is a bit of a derailment, considering we aren't in Sheffield at the moment, but its distinctly possible this place will open up in the Steel City sometime with branches already in Derby and Doncaster, and two in Nottingham - watch that space for a slight twist on the blog in the future...

It caught our eye immediately, being new in a place i grew up, with smart decor and beautifully presented food in the counter area.  A selection of wraps looked extremely inviting, with soup, quiches and of course cakes and MUFFINS!  I got the impression that the selections would change occasionally, rather than usual chain fare of having the same thing everywhere every time.

Being in a shopping centre, this place suffered from no windows, though there was free wifi provided by The Cloud and comfy seats. There were also loads of staff milling around - perhaps too many? - but they were all friendly and greeted on arrival and departure.

We each went for a coffee and a muffin.  I had a very well sized caramel latte which I enjoyed, and Nicky his usual double espresso.  The crema was to his satisfaction but he did find the coffee slightly bitter, not sure if it was burnt or just the blend? Who knows...

The muffins however were delicious.  I had a banana chic chip, and Nicky an apple cinnamon.  Both were really fluffy, and very tasty, reminding us of South African chain Mugg & Bean (though with normal sized portions!!). Perhaps not too surprising as evidently this chain has its origins in Australia, and it definitely felt different to the usual US- inspired UK offerings.

Definitely one to try if you come across a branch!

 

Amici & Bici, Sheffield

This new coffee shop on Abbeydale Road combines a couple of things we both really enjoy, coffee and cycling.

There is ample cycle parking, though its not really on any cycling route we particularly frequent, though it could be incorporated.  Abbeydale sadly isn't the most cycling friendly road at that end, but  hardly the end of the world.  You can also trade your helmet for a bicycle lock to borrow, which is very welcome if you've been for a nice long ride on your 'fun' bike!

On this occasion however we drove, taking a free space on the side road that the coffee shop corners with.

The premises are very bright and airy, due to the many windows which creates a really nice atmosphere.  Decoration is cycling based, with some lovely paintings, and a large flatscreen TV which we imagine will show races that are televised.  Definitely one to check out on race day.  For us on this random Thursday afternoon though it felt a little quiet; perhaps the owners could investigate services showing streams or recaps of previous races, or if hooked up to a sky+ service, record a whole bunch of races from now to have running in the background (though we are uncertain if any special licence would be required for this).  Alternatively, a bit of music would be rather nice.

Of note the whole place felt cycle friendly and, especially with plentiful outdoor seating, I wouldn't feel bad rolling up in sweaty Lycra.  The seats are easily cleaned!  There is also free wifi, and loads of power outlets we noted, so a good place to sit for an afternoon doing work.

Onto the coffee then. Service was excellent and friendly, and a whole bottle of tap water was brought to our table with our drinks - much appreciated.  Nicky rated his espresso as nice though not among the best he's had, and I quite enjoyed my latte.  Both were presented very nicely in cycling themed cups.

We also each chose a sandwich from their blackboard menu.  I suspect they may change their offerings fairly often, as there were only a few choices, but I'm sure something for everyone as I was very excited about my pesto, mozzarella and Parma ham offering.

Out of Town: Naughty & Nice, Bakewell

Ok, I know, it's supposed to be The Great Sheffield Coffee Hunt, but I hope you'll forgive this slight indulgence because this place is worth a mention, and anybody who's anybody in Sheffield must visit Bakewell from time to time.  Plus the fact that I defaced their chalk-board in the bathroom to plug this blog and a promise of a positive review..... A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...

We had been here once before, but had sort of forgotten that it was this particular venue, though on that occasion we definitely enjoyed our meal and coffee.  The reason for the visit today was a motorbike ride out into the Peaks with the promise of a nice brunch the other side for a friend of ours.

The weather was fair, but a bit too chilly for us to sit in the courtyard (after a windy ride out), so we went upstairs into the lounge.  As we arrived, there was a large party using all of the 'normal' height tables, so we just sat on the sofas to start with, the idea at this point being to grab a coffee and maybe move on for food.  Maybe we're getting old, but I just find it incredibly awkward to eat on sofas with low tables.  A vanilla latte for our friend, a caramel latte for me, and a double espresso for Nicky.  We're so predictable that way.  All went down very easily, and very enjoyable they were too.

I began browsing their food menu, and was extremely tempted by their pancakes (creature of habit), as I'd missed my favourite treat this weekend.  Other things caught my eye, too, with the time approaching 12pm; jacket potatoes (yey! Gluten free options), soup, and some very nice sounding sandwiches.  The large party departed, the tables were cleaned down, and I persuaded my companions to stay for lunch as well.  The perspexy chairs were really comfortable, and something we'll consider for our next house, I think...

They opted for their special ciabatta (brie, bacon and caramelised onion chutney), and advertising of gluten free options in their menu caught my eye.  I was informed that they had loads of gluten free bread, so I was sold.  A tuna melt with sweet chilli sauce on gluten free brown bread was swiftly ordered, and after a short time the waitress even came back to ask if I was coeliac because their salad dressing contained gluten.  This really impressed me, even as 'only' a gluten/wheat intolerant type, so I can heartily recommend Naughty & Nice for not only their consideration and vast menu choices, but also for actually knowing all of the ingredients that they use and understanding the needs of sufferers of coeliac disease.

We had another round of drinks, which again disappeared very quickly, and sat and chatted for quite some time.  Some more bikers arrived, the beauty of Bakewell I suppose, and that reinforced that we had found somewhere that was welcoming for all.

I only wish I had enough room for dessert, as the massive range of cake (including gluten free), meringue, chocolate and ice cream sundaes was extremely tempting.  Maybe next time for the Hot Chocolate Soup...  definitely our first stop next time we're in Bakewell...

A quick stop @Barretts265 in Sheffield

I wanted to visit Urban Pantry Deli in Crookes over the weekend to see what little treats they had on offer (Our Cow Molly Ice Cream and Teoni's cookies amongst the goodies we brought home), and whilst inside noticed flyers for @Barretts235.  Reasoning that its name suggested it was extremely close, I suggested that we nip up and have a little look.

We weren't set on having a cup of coffee at that point in time, but we were drawn in by the atmosphere and the general look of the place.  Its open, big windows, with lots of high seating looking out made Nicky rather happy.  They advertised free Wi-Fi, good food, good cakes and good coffee.  All things we rather enjoy.

We were greeted with a smile, and had a look over their reasonably priced menu.  There were plenty of specials on offer all over the place, and gluten free cake options too (though having already had that ginger crunch in the day we decided to be good...).  A latte for me, a double espresso for him, and the crema was served to his satisfaction.

We were clad in our bike gear, full armour and all, and never felt out of place.  This coffee shop was extremely relaxed and we felt like it was the sort of place we could spend an afternoon quite easily; just what we're looking for.  Their menu had loads of tasty options on it as well, which we are looking forward to trying.

Coffee wise, maybe not the best we have had in the city, but far from the worst.  They're also local supporters, with the cakes homemade by Sweet.  Definitely one worth a visit, and worth the little detour out of town.  If only we had more time (and room in our bellies) on this occasion!

Lunch at The (new) Forum

We'd decided to give Coffee Revolution, part of the Sheffield University Students' Union, a go as it has had excellent reviews for its coffee.  We walked out very quickly though, as there was a band warming up an hour before their gig start time, and it was pretty noisy.  Didn't see anything to eat other than sandwiches either - maybe we'll return one evening.

So we ventured down the road into the city centre in search of some food.  It's been a while since I last went to The Forum on Division Street.  When last we visited, it was more of a cafe/bar, though now I'll opt to call it a coffee shop/cafe/bar.  For me, 'cafe' has distinctly foody overtones, whilst the new look Forum is definitely pushing their coffee.

Since the demise of the nearby Starbucks, one assumes they are attempting to draw in the morning crowd, now that they open from 8am with a breakfast menu, and there is a new coffee bar area.  We decided to give it a try, fancying a different lunch for the day.

They're keen to push their new menus as well, including a "Fitness and Fasting" menu, with sub-200kcal options for those on the 5:2 diet.  I personally find this fad to be the same as all those other silly diets, and I couldn't fathom being able to deliver cancer treatment on only 500 calories a day, let alone engage in any activities that could be classed as "fitness", so we discarded that one.

Their main menu has a mixture of sandwiches, main meals, lighter bites and breakfast options for the appropriate time of day.  There's codes for gluten free (G) and vegetarian (V), but I have to ask why they really bother advertising doing anything gluten free when all that is on offer is a soup, chicken wings and salmon and sweet potato cakes.  Bit more variety, guys?

That said, the sweet potato cakes were very nice.  The atmosphere is much the same as it always has been; a bit of everything.  Families, early drinkers, people out for an afternoon meal.  Not too many just sitting to enjoy a cup of coffee.  Nicky's double espresso was missing half of itself, and he was charged for the full drink, which was swiftly sorted.  The crema on top was also lacking in colour and consistency, missing the smooth 'dark honey' shade that it should have, and as a result it tasted burnt.  My caramel latte was actually rather nice, though, and the milk was very smooth, so well done on that score.

As before then, we enjoyed the food, service was ok (why place my glass of tap water on the other side of the table?), but as a coffee shop?  Well, after lunch we went to Tamper for a good cup with a slice of their ginger crunch...