On The Menu: Comptoir Gourmand (Maltby, London)

Sorry for the slightly delayed post (again), I’m almost done with my current essays so will be back to regular scheduling soon!

I had an interview this morning in London and, arriving too early, found myself wandering in need of somewhere to sit. I was strolling down a quirky street with lots of flags hanging above it (Ropewalk) when I saw Comptoir Gourmand (Maltby Street) and headed inside.

This café is situated within a bridge arch which I love, giving lofty curved ceilings and a really unique atmosphere. Huge domed pendants dangle from the corrugated metal inside and add a warm feel to the sparsely decorated café. I love the simple wooden tables and chairs, the vintage feel of the wall decor and the distressed sofas centred around an antique trunk. It strikes me as somewhere that would be great to enjoy a good book or work.

As I was waiting for an interview, I didn’t want any food so only grabbed a glass of fresh orange juice but the pastries on the counter looked amazing. These aren’t your bog-standard baked goods but intricately decorated tarts, fruit-sprinkled pastries and loaded croissants. I would’ve loved to try one of the lemon and raspberry cakes but, alas, I did not. Overall, Comptoir Gourmand was a quirky and welcome surprise in an area that was unnervingly quiet. If you’re nearby and want somewhere to relax it’s a great place to go but it is in quite a remote area and I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this particular branch.

 

Up & Coming: The Cartshed Cafe (Preston Crowmarsh, Oxfordshire)

With January underway, I felt like it was time for a foodie review to warm cold bones in this frosty weather.

The Place

The Cartshed is a relatively new start-up nestled in South Oxfordshire. Though the small yellow signs are difficult to follow (particularly given their placement near other yellow warning signs), it is worth sticking with it to navigate your way around the Crowmarsh Battle Barns site. Keep heading through the winding car parks towards the river, park up and enter through the homely wooden door.

The mish-mash of furniture provides an instantly quirky atmosphere to the beautiful, rustic barn. The beams feature carved inscriptions hinting towards the history of the barn, whilst the windows give view to the other gorgeous buildings situated on the estate. Expect lots of runners, cyclists, dog walkers and locals to bustle in the doors throughout the day, craving a fresh cup of coffee or a locally sourced cake.

And for those bloggers, writers, workers or students out there, don’t fear – they have wifi!

The Food

The essential simplicity yet the abundance of choice on the menu is one of my favourite contradictions of the Cartshed Cafe. The hot brunch options are delicious, with an option for everyone. The halloumi is grilled perfectly and I’m a big fan of the cartshed brunch – featuring avocado, smoked salmon and poached eggs.

If the cold weather has got you yearning for some warmth, grab a hot chocolate covered with whipped cream and marshmallows to warm your core. The selection of Teapigs tea, coffee and soft drinks means there is likely to be something that’ll tickle your fancy.

If a big brunch isn’t your thing, there are salads, sandwiches, soup and pastries to choose from. For a cafe focused on local produce, I think the selection is impressive and though the food isn’t Michelin-star quality, it is definitely a tasty stop if you’re nearby. Some elements are in need of more care and attention – the obviously preprepared salad, for example, is dry from being refrigerated for too long – but overall the items on the menu are freshly made.

Personal Opinion

All in all, I really enjoy spending time at the Cartshed Cafe. It is clearly still in the early stages and some refinement to the overall quality of the food is needed but I think there is real promise for this place.