• Added: 16th of April 2007
• Area: York
• Category: Restaurants

York YO1 7DJ
01904 672904

satsu said
Location, location, location
Ok, I'll say this first. Yes, it's "just" a Pizza Express, but just look at it!

What everybody comes here for is the venue. The restaurant is in a superb listed building which in its previous incarnation served as an exclusive Gentlemen's club. Large portraits of the aforementioned gentlemen look down upon you as you eat. There are high ceilings, oak panelled walls and tiled floors - even the bathrooms are ostentatiously decorated.

A few tables are available outside on the terrace, looking out over the River Ouse and the 1863 Lendal Bridge. Be prepared to wait for these on a sunny day!

• Added: 16th of April 2007
• Area: York
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

York YO1 6JX
01904 623767

satsu said
Tasty (and filling) vegetarian
This lovely cafe is nestled in the back of an unassuming bookshop at the top of Micklegate.

Filling main dishes for breakfast and lunch. A selection of home-made cakes and great coffee.

See the website for more details: http://www.blakeheadcafe.co.uk/index2.htm

• Added: 20th of March 2007
• Area: Keswick
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Keswick CA12 5JD

satsu said
Fill up after that bike ride, hike (or just a wander round the shops)
Excellent wholefood vegetarian cafe in the centre of Keswick. Chunky pine tables and walls covered with old cycling photos and memorabilia.

Open for filling breakfasts and lunches. The home made soup with a hefty chunk of bread takes the edge off even my appetite! If you're really hungry there are always specials on the board - nut roast, curry, lasagne etc. all well presented with a crunchy salad on the side.

The usual difficult choice ensues for dessert - the fruit crumble or sticky toffee pudding normally wins out for me.

After dinner, have a wander in the bike shop upstairs and try not to spend too much money on something cool and shiny that you didn't even know you needed!

A word of warning. Despite the great demand this place usually closes at about 5pm, although it is often open later during school holidays. Make sure you get over there in good time.

Details on their website:
http://www.lakelandpedlar.co.uk/index.html

• Added: 19th of March 2007
• Area: York
• Category: Restaurants

York YO1 6JX

satsu said
Great Thai Food
Small, atmospheric thai restaurant serving by far the best Thai food in York.

We started with the mixed veggie platter. Just one spring roll and veggie kebab each but more than enough tasty tempura battered veg to make up for it.

For mains we had red, yellow and green curries. These were beautifully presented in earthenware pots kept warm over tea lights. The red curry was spiced, but not overly hot.

All rounded off with a delicious banana fritter and cup of tea.

The lady running the restaurant and her staff were very friendly, welcoming and attentive.

By the time we left the place was close to full - even on an early Tuesday evening in March.

To cap it all a soundbite from a friend, "the food there tastes like the food I had in Thailand".

• Added: 19th of March 2007
• Area: Cambridge
• Category: Restaurants

Cambridge CB1 2LD
01223 508503

satsu said
Cafe, Restaurant, Art Gallery, Music Venue. . .
A very successful "jack of all trades" just outside Cambridge city centre.

Pop in for a quick coffee. Enjoy a snack for lunch. Install yourself for an afternoon's work using the wireless internet access. Have a full dinner in the evening with white tablecloths. Listen to live music downstairs.

All this and more in a relaxed environment. The books on the shelves around the place are all for sale, as is the local art on the wall.

The menu caters for everyone from the lightly peckish to the ravenous. I recommend the burger (although it can be a tricky decision whether to go for beef or lamb) and the malteser ice cream sundae.

Visit the website for full menu and event details:
http://www.cb2bistro.com/

• Added: 19th of March 2007
• Area: York
• Category: Bars and Pubs

York YO1 8RA
01904 634321

satsu said
Looking for a Light Lunch?
Nice little place for a light lunchtime snack or just a well made capuccino or cup of tea. Tables inside and out, with a couple of heaters on the pavement for those not so toasty York days.

A selection of sandwiches, toasted ciabattas and salads served at lunchtime. To wash it down I recommend the milkshake. Alternatively there's a selection of juices and alcoholic tipples.

Also open weekend evenings as a bar serving nice but rather pricey cocktails. Fortunately there's a cashpoint right outside!

• Added: 18th of March 2007
• Area: York
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

York YO31 7EQ
01904 653074

satsu said
Superb food in York
Hidden slightly off the main tourist track is one of the best places to eat in York. Sit inside and enjoy the bustle of the world going by on Gillygate or, if the weather permits, enjoy the quiet garden next to the city walls.

A wide range of lighter meals for breakfast and lunch with full meals served from 6pm. Food is interesting and varied - see the menu at www.cafe8.co.uk.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The service is excellent - the staff are always happy to flex the menu to meet your needs.