New cafe revives memories of ’81
to follow for many years. It was electro-pop, with synthesizers.
Pete dislikes Human League to this day. I have seen them several times, along with OMD, Culture Club, ABC, Thompson Twins and Bauhaus.
Back to September 1981. A shoe shop, on the Market Place, had the ultimate 80s shoes. I bought them, starting a lifelong interest. The shop closed. It became a carpet shop, a charity shop and is now the Flower Café, which has new owners.
The homemade cakes include a Guinness and chocolate cake, sold alongside old-time favourites such as Bakewell tarts and Victoria sponge. There is an extensive list of coffees to chose from, and a speciality hot chocolate – a must for chocoholics.
Dolly had a hot chocolate. A full to overflowing glass of heaven with a whipped-cream topping, mini marshmallows and a flake. The best hot chocolate ever, Dolly said.
I had a cream tea, with a china cup and saucer. The scone was of epic proportions, freshly baked by cafe owner Sue. The scone had a light texture, and a generous amount of dried fruit with a light sprinkling of icing.
I have not eaten scones of this calibre since the days of my grandmother’s home baking. The Flower Café has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with wooden tables, china crockery, and polite and friendly staff. Being there is like sitting in the warm, cosy environment of home.
It had a diverse selection of sandwiches, baked potatoes, homemade curry and soup and is definitely worth a visit. It’s also well priced. Tables are available outside on the market place.
The business is a family-run affair and the new owners took in August. They are new to the area and the family works together.
Mum Sue is in charge of the homemade cakes and scones. Son James acts as waiter and cashier.
After an eight-week mammoth
The year of the staycation has been the prompt for a few half-term treats.
We have a National Trust family membership which covers two adults and 12 (I think) children and grandchildren.
Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood are favourites for Dolly and Minnie.
Minnie is not keen on ‘the old house,’ preferring the old laundry room in the museum. It’s full of toys, displays and talking histories of childhood. Yet she loves playing with the washtub, irons and clothes horse. She travels at her own pace which will increase if an activity or display is not to her taste.
Dolly likes to read the information about the rooms. This gives Minnie a few seconds advantage to increase her speed and head off to the room in front. Which means I am then searching for Minnie, and hurrying by the things Dolly would like to see.
Sudbury Hall has a large, well thought-out woodland play area.
The tree-covered area gives shade in the summer and a little protection from rain in the winter. There are plenty of large, accessible picnic tables alongside seating areas. Late on a Friday afternoon the playground was ours.
As Minnie gleefully ran between the climbing wall, the nest swing, and the wooden playhouse, her laughter was audible in the silent trees.
She bounced from one piece of play equipment to another. Minnie was happy, having a lovely time playing.
I have not eaten scones of this calibre since the days of my grandmother’s home baking Dawn Millward