Courtyard Caffe Restaurant Review
When we arrived at Courtyard Caffé it was late lunchtime and we were surprised at how busy it was. We were offered the choice of seating either in front of the caffé where we could watch the world go by, inside the cosy caffé either upstairs or downstairs or out the rear of the caffé in the courtyard. We decided to sit in the beautiful and peaceful courtyard at the back.
The caffé itself was light and airy with a very warm atmosphere and several friendly and attentive members of staff, however the peaceful and secluded setting of the courtyard at the rear was what appealed to us the most.
We were given our menu and directed to a specials menu hung on the wall. When offered drinks, we were spoilt for choice; a wide selection of fresh coffees and tea, cold drinks, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. I selected the refreshing choice of Appletiser whilst my friend selected Elderflower Pressé – a refreshing elderflower sparkling water.
The menu provided a vast selection of tantalising dishes including: Delicious Breakfasts (only served until 11:30am), toasties, hot griddled paninis, platters and salads as well as a selection of specials and main meals or for snacking. They had the option of side bowls which included crispy french fries, chunky chips, mixed salad, mixed olives or feta salad. There was also the option of afternoon tea which looked divine or for something really special – Champagne Afternoon Tea; there really was something for all appetites!
After some deliberation we chose our meals. I ordered the Courtyard Special Toastie and my friend chose the Special Fishcakes.
When the meals arrived we were very pleased! My Courtyard Special Toastie consisted of a generous amount of fresh goats cheese melted on a soft ciabatta, topped with sauteed mushrooms, sliced grilled tomatoes and red onion with a small pot of mayonnaise – I also opted for a side order of french fries, however these certainly were not required as the meal itself filled me up. My friend’s Special Fishcakes were simply divine!
There were 2 generous sized fish cakes which consisted of smoked haddock, spinach, onion & mozzarella with a slight hint of lemon running through them and a light coating of breadcrumbs, these were served with a portion of french fries and a small pot of creamy tartare sauce. Both dishes were served with a fresh side salad and a portion of fresh and creamy home-made coleslaw.
After our fabulous main course it was hard to find room for dessert!! After looking through the menu at the fantastic selection of home made cake, biscuits or Wallings ice cream sundaes my friend rose to the challenge and ordered fresh apple pie with ice cream. The pie was a delicious shortcrust pastry, deep filled with fresh Bramley apples and served with a large scoop of Wallings vanilla ice cream – once my friend had finished, she enthused that it tasted just how her mum used to make them.
After a brief chat with the owners of the caffé, Emma and Monica they explained to me that everything on the menu is freshly home cooked and all their produce is sourced from the local area.
The caffé has recently expanded the services they offer and are now open as a bar on a Friday night from 6pm-11pm. They also have a Diners Evening on the first Saturday of every month which provides you with 4 courses for a set price and you can relax and enjoy the surroundings as the table is yours for the evening. The caffé also now offers BBQ Parties, Hen nights, Outside catering and Emma even said that they have had an enquiry for a small wedding!
Our visit to The Courtyard Caffé was a very pleasant experience and I will definitely visit again either with family or friends as there is almost certainly something for all tastes, diets and budgets on the menu.
Review By Sarah Thomas
17 High Street, Great Eccleston
Opening hours 9am to 5pm Mon
to Sat & 10am to 4pm Sunday
