Cafes / Reviews
Spike Cafe – cafe review
Arms were folded, brows furrowed and voices slightly raised. Never get in the way of an artist who wants a specific type of tea.
“No rooibos past the threshold, even with exceptional public demand,” was the edict from the man in the grey t-shirt behind the bar, as the artist slunk back to his seat.
Spike Cafe has been taken over by the team behind the Folk House Cafe on Park Street, recently honoured as regional runners-up in the Observer Food Monthly awards, and the times they are a-changin’.
is needed now More than ever
There is still a selection of herbal teas, just no rooibos. What there is more of is cakes, several of which such as the date and walnut, and cherry bakewell, can be ordered in half portions. The ginger all-spice cake was particularly delicious.
A recent lunch menu included smoked mackerel pate (£6.50), beef brisket chilli (£7.50), focaccia sandwiches, jacket potatoes and a £5 special of Welsh rarebit, apple chutney and salad.
There is also a salad bar with a selection of hummus, roast beetroot, marinated olives and butternut squash among half a dozen options, costing £1.50 per 100 grams.
A 20-something woman dressed head to toe in black peruses the new menu. “All I want is chips and beans,” she sighs.
Spike Cafe, 133 Cumberland Road, Spike Island, Bristol, BS1 6UX
www.spikeisland.org.uk/spike-cafe
Photos by Giulia Stella