Pub Review
Café Rene
Near to the old Greyfriars Friary, off Southgate Street, next door to a church.
This pub (& restaurant) used to be known as Greyfriars, a few years back. One of my more gothy friends frequented it back then. She wasn’t disappointed when we wandered into there a couple of summers back, despite it being different.
I never paid the place any visits back in those days mostly because I never knew it existed.
Today, it’s a great pub to while away the hours. It’s very dark inside, which could mean you walk in a bit blind if it’s a particularly sunny day, I have on a few occasions. But there is the option to sit outside during the nicer days in a courtyard area, and sup your ale. Although it’s not a courtyard, it’s an alley way, but nevermind.
The establishment is next to a graveyard, long disused. Don’t let that put you off though. It’s a nicely cool place amongst the trees in hot weather, when that happens. (Where is the summer this year?)
They serve real ales, decent ciders (as well as the dreaded Strongbow), there’s a wine list that isn’t all Blossom Hill or Jacob’s Creek. The friendly, helpful staff could probably mix any cocktail that took your fancy, although I haven’t tested them.
Oh, the food! It’s fantastic. Tasty, interesting and homemade, what more could ask for? Oh, free as well. Ah well, sorry. But lunch or dinner here won’t break the bank. The last meal I had there was a cheese and ham ploughman’s - nice crusty rolls, granary and white, homemade dressing to go on the salad, the customer gets to dress their own salad. My friend, being a vegetarian had the just cheese ploughman’s, brie, cheddar and a blue. I really must try one of their burgers some day.
You can play games there, no not darts or Shove Ha'penny (sadly), but Connect 4! There are a small stack of board games in one corner. As I was on my own when I spied this, I didn’t investigate fully. I’m a terrible reporter, I know.
On the whole, Café Rene is chilled, not too trendy or trying too hard nor filled with chav types. Just my kind of pub. I should spend far more time and money there. Would anyone care to join me?
