An Edible Voyage

July 2021 Cycling along the stunning, if hilly(!), coastal road from Ballycastle to Giant's Causeway, distracted by the arc of white sand against the sparkling turquoise sea that is White Park Bay, I almost didn't spot Bothy.  But something about the cosiness of the word must have registered with my brain so I stopped to investigate.  From the name, I was expecting small and eclectic.  Bothy is surprisingly large, although definitely has the eclectic factor, with a conservatory as well as a covered outdoors, complete with wood fired pizza oven. Taking inspiration from mountain bothies, they aim to recreate the comfort of "a roof over our heads; a shelter from the weather; a place to rest, eat and warm up; a haven". They want people to be able to " wander in, settle back and unwind. Curl up and read a book, or just enjoy the solitude". I found it a little busy for that - it's definitely a very popular pit stop. They roast their own coffee (bags of bea...

July 2021 Lost and Found Cafe is verging on perfection.  A short stroll along the beautiful north coast of Northern Ireland, a few minutes away from the hubbub of Portstewart Strand, nestles this friendly brew bar and eatery.   Enjoy expertly crafted espresso based coffee and innovative brunch at the stools in front of the enormous window overlooking the sea.  Salty feta, nutty tahini and the sweetness of honey, an inspired and utterly delicious toastie that I will definitely be recreating at home.    Don't leave without choosing one of their exciting homemade sweet treats (and maybe one to take home too!).  Bigger than your head cookie sandwiches are enough for several sittings, and cakes change with the seasons. Find Lost and Found Cafe on Berne Road, just east of Portstewart Strand.

April 2021 I can't remember how on earth I originally came across this place, but I'm so glad that I did.  A real hidden gem, unassumingly tucked away in a residential street behind Stoke Newington High Street.  With it's conservative shop front it would be easy to miss, but whatever you do, don't miss it!  The compact inside has a buzzy neighbourhood vibe, and outside is a lovely, sheltered courtyard. Has Bean coffee is expertly crafted, whether as a pour over or espresso based beverage, and they've taken milk alternatives up a notch with their own home made almond milk. The food is always exceptional - one of those places where you know that whatever you choose will be well executed.  Unusual combinations of bang in season produce means the menu is never dull, whilst keeping things simple enough to really showcase the flavours of quality produce. The French toast is my go to option - thick slices of chewy, tangy Little Bread Pedlar sourdough, usually served with s...

November 2020 Stroll around Portree, the capital of Skye, and enjoy the gentle lapping of the Loch against the row of picturesque pastel houses perched on the water's edge.  Then head to Birch Cafe for one of the best coffees on the island - expert extraction of locally roasted Skye Coffee Roasters beans alongside perfectly steam milk, served in a beautiful, locally made ceramics.  Sit at the counter in the window and watch the world go by whilst contemplating the eye catching, rock music inspired coasters. There is also a selection of homemade cakes and bakes (I had to get 2 because I couldn't decide!), and sandwiches and toasties made with Skye Bakehouse sourdough. Find Birch Cafe on Bayfield Road.

June 2020 Hidden away in a beautiful, quiet Oxfordshire village of a handful of thatched cottages set around a green, a cafe unexpectedly nestles.  Quince and Clover, originally an Events Catering company, planned to open a cafe this spring and, incredibly, have managed to make it happen despite the lockdown situation.   They make all of their own ever changing flavours of ice cream and sorbet - the pink grapefruit sorbet is so refreshing (and tastes almost guilt free!).  The coconut ice cream has a delicious sweet, yet nutty flavour which holds all the way until the end of the scoop.  They also make their own ice cream milkshakes, super thick and served in big, American style cups. Cakes are moist and not overly sweet - the coffee, chocolate and date cake is an inspired combination, and their weekly changing salads, tarts, soup and special are so colourful and fresh it's a near impossible decision to choose.  Highlights have been the courgette...