It was one of those brutally cold, windy springtime mornings when my husband and I, with a friend, decided to nip outside for a walk across a park to a cafe for a morning treat.
Entering the cafe, we were greeted cheerfully, and we quickly made our orders.
"I will also have the Special, and a tea too, please. No sugar."
I said to the cashier before we sat at a table by the window.
Have you ever had a full English Breakfast?
Isn't it an enormous feast?
The Special consisted of 2 hash browns, 2 sausages, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, 2 eggs over easy, 2 pieces of thick-cut bacon, and 2 rounds of toast.
I had forgotten how efficient service at cafes can be.
It was just a minute or two after we were seated, that the waiter came to serve my order...Ladies first, right?
Etiquette! Something that the Brits are big on.
I was about to take a photo of the delightful-looking plate that was presented when the head waitress came by.
"Did you want tomatoes with your order?" she inquired?
Yes, I replied.
She apologised and explained that it was the first day on the job for the server and that he had forgotten to add the tomatoes.
She was given the go-ahead to take the plate back to add the tomatoes.
How attentive I thought! I hadn't even missed the tomatoes on the grand spread.
Following behind the waitress was the waiter with the three cups of tea, which went down nicely, as you can see from this photo...another little detail - a pink cup for the lady.
Ordering tea in an English cafe is always a good idea.
If I didn't know better, I would have thought that the waiter was trained to make tea for the Queen because it was exquisite.
The atmosphere in the cafe was calm and peaceful, and the staff greeted and interacted with everyone, even us, who were visiting for the first time. The tables filled up quickly with what appeared to be regular customers, and everyone seemed jolly and happy on the outing.
I could tell that it was like a " home away from home" breakfast morning for everyone who dined there.
It was commendable how fast all orders were served, despite the extensive drink and meal menu. Everything was stocked and readily available, and it felt nice to be back home in the UK.
"The order without the egg."
Said the waitress as she served the neighbouring table of a family of five.
These little things mean much to me. There's nothing worst than being served something on your plate that you specifically asked to be omitted. You know what I mean, heh?
Negligence of such kind sets a negative tone for your experience.
I watched the timely, friendly, and calm flow in which the staff carried out the orders, and it was refreshing to see.
The cafe was quintessentially English, with pastel floral plastic table cloths, and assorted furnishing that would make even your toothless granny grin. Remember the good ole days when spills were easily wiped away?
The design of the kitchen was an open plan, which allowed us to see the cook working her magic.
I like streetside cafes like this one. So convenient, reasonably priced and you feel like you get your money's worth. The orders were on point! An ideal setting for the entire family. I even noticed that customers invited staff members to sit and chat with them while dining, and I could overhear staff engaging in thoughtful conversations with the familiar customers. How nice is that!
Do you prefer cafes with a small intimate setting, or do you go for the larger big chains?
I always enjoy the homely feel I get from small independently owned cafes. They are just cosier and more personable to me, and what made this morning's visit to the cafe special, was that it was like a real cultural experience.
My meal companions gobbled down their plates of food, while I tried to savour every minute of mine slowly. Still, at the end of the meal, we all agreed that the tea was the highlight of the meal.
How could we all be so excited by tea?
Isn't Coffee King? I wondered.
Yes, coffee is still my preferred beverage, but as they say, when in Rome, do Romans romance; So, for that orgasmic delight, I shall always order tea whenever I go to an English cafe.
"No one makes tea quite as good as the Brits do."
It was a pleasure sharing this lovely experience with you.
Have you ever visited a country that was known for a particular dish or drink, and tasted it and felt everything was in accordance, or were you disappointed?
Please feel free to share your thoughts with me:)
PS. I offered my serving of Black Pudding to my husband, as he is more fond of it than I am :)
...Btw, did you notice the lovely little sign on the first image?
So meticulous, polite, and inviting;)
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Location: Clifford's Cafe, Polesworth Tamworth UK
April 7, 2022
