Truly Scrumptious - Madame Fromage, Cardiff

Having lived in Cardiff for 4 years and wandered through its arcades and market as a child, I have fond memories of the place.  And as a cheese lover I wish this place had existed when I was there.

And given my Welsh heritage on my dad's side and my mum's Breton ancestry, I wouldn't have thought it possible to find somewhere that embraced them both.  However, Madame Fromage in Castle Arcade, Cardiff, does just that!

With a daily portfolio of 150 French, Welsh and English cheeses you'll be spoilt for choice.  And their deli is also crammed full of jams, chutneys, oils, olives and sweet treats.

If you fancy a spot of lunch they have French gallettes, tartlettes and quiches or Welsh cawl and rarebit.  But even if you're only after a quiet coffee  you can experience the atmosphere of typical French cafe culture all year round in the beautiful Victorian architecture of Castle Arcade.

All images (c) Madame Fromage

Truly Scrumptious - Deli Rocks, Bournemouth, Dorset

Southbourne is developing a café society with new coffee outlets appearing almost monthly.  

Deli Rocks offers a touch of Italy in an English suburb.  Owned and run by Giovanni Dora, an Anglo-Italian from Parma, Deli Rocks is a combination of café and delicatessen with a lively atmosphere and interesting décor.

Deli Rocks offers a range of coffees as well as light lunches, which include pizzas, pasta, platters of cold meats or cheeses and foccacia – all served by a friendly staff.

The ‘deli’ section has a good range of products by well-known Italian manufacturers and at Christmas there are many gift wrapped food items.  The porcini paté is exceptional.  

All images (c) Deli Rocks

The ‘Rocks’ in the name seems to relate to the music which, while not being intrusive, adds to the character of the place.

Truly Scrumptious - the Beckford Arms, Tisbury. Wiltshire.

It's easy to see why the Beckford Arms has been voted UK Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide.

  

The inn is covered in ivy and lit with welcoming lamps. It manages to be a country pub, restaurant and hotel all the same time. There is a choice of places to eat: a bustling bar, elegant dining room, pretty conservatory and garden or a quiet sitting.

It's no surprise to learn that Charlie Luxton trained at Babington House. Together with co-owner Dan Brod they have stamped their own style on the place. 

The menu has its roots in pub food but is so much more which I can't possibly do credit to here, but goes from traditional pub fare (ham, egg & homemade chunky chips) to more eclectic choices such as suckling pig, locally caught trout, game pie, followed by dark chocolate truffle with sea salt ice-cream.

Truly Scrumptious - Urban Reef, Bournemouth

The UrbanReef caters for all tastes!  Sorry, couldn’t resist, but it is a bar, café, deli and restaurant after all.  But I love it because it's a great place to relax and watch the rest of the family as they surf or train to be lifeguards.

You can find it at the Overstrand on Boscombe prom and sit out on the sun deck where you can soak up the panoramic views over the stunning Bournemouth Bay and to the Purbecks and beyond.

With the summer refusing to play ball, they’ve been keeping everyone cosy with their open log burning fire.

This photo of Urban Reef is courtesy of TripAdvisor

To check out their menus, take a look at their website.

Day Trips - Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset

With young children eager to get out and do stuff Compton Abbas airfield, nearby, is just perfect. 

As long as the weather's good, there's always something taking off or landing and with a great viewing platform from the cafe's terrace, they can see all the action in safety.  They often have classic cars and motorbikes parked up in gleaming rows too.

My son loves seeing the pilots when they're all dressed up and I know he'll be begging for a trial flight or lesson when he's old enough.

Lunches are great and it's an ideal spot for coffee and cake too.

And you don't need to take off to enjoy the view.  Just across the road there's a parking spot where you can leave the car, burn off those excess calories and breathe in the stunning scenery from Spread Eagle Hill across the Dorset countryside.

Truly Scrumptious - Oliver's, Sherborne, Dorset

I'm really enjoying rediscovering Dorset having spent many years abroad in Switzerland.  As well as the countryside, I love exploring the various market towns in the area and this usually involves a coffee break at some point.   A recent discovery is Oliver's in Sherborne.

It's not surprising to learn that this building used to be the butcher's as the teak framed shop front and tiled interior which date from 1927 are reminiscent of early art deco architecture typical of the type butchers and grocers might have occupied.

Why do I love it?  They serve great coffee and because you sit at their long table there's a friendly atmosphere.  As well as the fantastic choice of cakes and pastries, there is a small but tasty selection on the lunch menu.

There are loads of papers to read if you want to be left in peace and it's basically just a cute and cosy place to rest for a while.  

www.foxandhounds-eastknoyle.co.uk 

Truly Scrumptious - Boston Tea Party Cafe, Salisbury

Guest contributor, Nathalie Jochum shares one of her secret destinations ...

For me, a trip to Salisbury isn't complete without a stop at the Boston Tea Party cafe.  It's fantastic - fresh cakes, hearty soups and sandwiches, the welcoming smell of coffee and a big menu written up on a blackboard.  

The mismatched furniture sets the mood perfectly, making it feel homely and yet still stylish.   As a result there's a truly relaxed atmosphere and everyone from young kids and their grandparents to business folk and students sit comfortably along side each other.

And my personal favourite - the white hot chocolate, you MUST give it a try.

Although the cafe isn't a one off, it is one of only seven branches and the owners like to think of themselves as a happy cluster rather than a clunky chain.  In striving to achieve this effect, each cafe is individual and nurtures close links to the surrounding community, supporting local artists, charities & businesses by using the cafe's space & community notice boards to promote events & organisations.  

www.foxandhounds-eastknoyle.co.uk