Let's do coffee . .

May 27, 2013

Let’s do coffee…

Leigh appears to house the world's highest number of independent coffee shops per square inch. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration, but it certainly boasts the kind of array that would make a chic city suburb green with envy. From the arty and alternative, to the homely and traditional, every taste is catered for.

But, with so many to choose from, how do the people of Leigh know where to go for their daily fix? Having only arrived in town some 20 months ago, I'm still feel spoilt for choice, but after extensive research, my short-list is starting to take shape...
 

For a truly magnificent coffee, I head to Barlow & Fields or The Coffee Bean Company. Both really know their beans and demonstrate with ease that the art of making an excellent coffee is alive and well.

A buggy friendly fest can be had at either of the Birdwoods, Went to Market or Café Valise in the community centre. There is a clear run at the door and space for more than one buggy at a time. Plenty of others welcome buggy users, but I regularly find myself reversing into walls, tables, or unsuspecting customers. Also the sausage rolls at Birdwood are to die for, and the barnbrek at Went to Market come in child portions, if you ask nicely! Meanwhile at Café Valise there is a whole sofa-fest of a children’s ‘area’.

To enjoy a buggy-free hot chocolate moment, try Stop the World. With a delectable array of cakes to go with your hot chocolate, what’s not to like?

Another buggy-free delight is Champagne. With an al fresco option, this is a lovely little coffee shop and tea room that seves Illy coffee, the quintessential full afternoon tea with French patisserie and light lunches all within the atmosphere of an exquisite gift shop.

For a gluten-free treat, it's back to The Coffee Bean Company. Regular options include a rather delicious looking carrot cake or brownie, with the occasional polenta cake or Victoria sponge thrown in. All gluten free!

Fancy a homemade cake and a good read? The café nestling at the back of The Book Inn is a real hidden gem. The main problem is deciding which cake to eat next. They also do Funky Monkey smoothies, so that keeps my little boy happy.

A delicious al fresco coffee can be found at Sara's Tea Gardens, down in Old Leigh, or in the garden of The Grove. You even get a blanket thrown in at Sara’s during the chillier months!

Like an arty coffee? Barlow & Fields, the Coffee Bean and The Book Inn all offer you a taste of the local art scene. Café Valise in the community centre has regular temporary exhibitions.

Throw in a delicious lunch with that coffee at Milly’s Deli on the Leigh Road. Intimate tables and the sights and smells of the deli all add to the ambience.