Cafes / Reviews
Lavender Coffee Shop – cafe review
Desperately seeking shelter from the hurricane-like weather that has graced us for the last few days, I barged into Lavender Coffee Shop wringing wet and with a face like thunder.
Immediately greeted with three beaming smiles (I would later learn they belonged to three siblings from Naples) and the offer of a cushioned seat in this new Coldharbour Road cafe, I decided my luck was beginning to change as I looked around the rustic and well-put together little cafe.
Contrary to the minimalist, almost empty-looking, modern eateries that have sprung up around Bristol as of late, Lavender’s front counter is piled high with huge freshly baked loaves, massive hunks of cured meat and generous slices of chocolate and carrot cake that immediately set your stomach growling.
is needed now More than ever
Practically rubbing my hands together as I checked out the sandwich menu, I asked the owner at the counter what he would recommend, hoping to save a little time.
“This,” he says in a thick Neapolitan accent, gesturing to an unidentifiable half-tonne of pink meat, “this is the number one in Italy.”
“Prosciutto?” I ask, trying to sound like I know what I’m talking about. He shakes his head and sighs. “PARMA! PARMA!” he declares.
It’s with the same enthusiastic disdain that he attempts to deal with his next customer, who asks for a “gluten-free toasted panini, like in Costa.” I snigger into my pint of chai at that one.
A mural depicting huge sprigs of lavender dominates the only free wall in classic Bristol style, with the others covered in well-packed shelves holding a selection of imported Italian goods. Coffees, pastas, jams and oils are all on sale, as well as flavoured chocolate bars infused with everything from chilli to sambuca.
The sandwiches (£4-£5) are as fresh as they come, made with delicious Italian breads and a filling of your choice – providing you choose some form of spiced, cured or salted meat, that is. Oh, and you get a complimentary bowl of fresh olives. The good ones.
Welcoming and undoubtedly entertaining, Lavender will no doubt become a regular haunt for many of the well-heeled Redland, Westbury Park and Henleaze locals – worth battling the elements outside for the wholesome delights inside.
115 Coldharbour Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 7SD
www.facebook.com/Lavender-Coffee-Shop-Deli
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