Northampton!
Not quite as exciting as the lyrics of the Sting song ‘An Englishman in New York’ but this particular Englishman was pretty spectacular.
I am talking about a relatively new café that has opened up locally called “The Eccentric Englishman”
Located in what used to be the original ‘weights and measures’ building, which in itself is quite old and ornate, The Eccentric Englishman is a two storey café with an exceedingly vintage feel to it.
The Eccentric Englishman
Downstairs feels like a ladies parlour; all doileys and pretty tablecloths. Upstairs is more a gentleman’s club with masculine paintings and furniture and there is even a mannequin wearing a velvet smoking jacket who looks remarkably like Freddie Mercury.
Feminine Fancies
I visited on a Thursday lunchtime with two of my staff who encouraged me to come and have a cup of tea with them.
They had told me about the café a couple of weeks before and said it was right up my street. Vintage themed, with fabulous china tea cups, huge slabs of cake and brilliant sweet treats.
Freddie?
We arrived at 1200 and it was very busy. Downstairs was completely full, but there was a table upstairs. I have to admit that I struggled with the steep narrow stairs, as my knee was being a bit of a mare, and it was hard going.
However, it was certainly worth the struggle as the upstairs was very much to my taste. Higgledy-Piggledy photographs, drawings, advertising, and vintage accessories covered almost every inch of space. It made for a very welcoming environment.
Classily Cluttered
We sat down on mis-matched chairs at a sturdy wooden table. A lovely welcoming lady brought the menus and I really loved the design that had been chosen; vintage, eccentric and with ornate print. It really showcased the eccentricity of the café.
What to choose?
Now given that we were only popping in during the lunch break, the Tiddley Teas were out of the question for my staff, and being teetotal meant I couldn’t indulge either.
But I was intrigued.
Tiddley Teas
They did however have a Prohibition Tea; an alcohol-free version of their afternoon tea.
Prohibition? My Cup of Tea!
Sadly we didn’t have enough time to take advantage of the afternoon teas, however we did indulge in pots of tea and sweet treats.
There was a group of ladies upstairs on a large table. It was a birthday celebration and they had balloons, cake and glasses of prosecco.
What the Café is all about!
On a large footed cake plate they had slices of what looked like fresh cream Victoria Sponge. I had asked the waitress if there was any available, but they had purchased it all.
They did offer a chocolate version, but I have a hatred of chocolate desserts and cakes and so I had gone for the another option.
Ordering the Mini Pavlova, I paired it with a pot of Breakfast Tea. Sadly they didn’t have Earl Grey available which is my preference and what I drink every day.
A Nice Pot of Tea
The Mini Pavlova was absolutely out of this World; crisp yet with a chewy middle, light whipped cream and accompanied by fresh berries.
It was so good, I could have eaten it twice!
Meringue Madness
Sadly our lunchbreak didn’t last too long and we were soon getting ready to pay the bill and leave. Before we could, the birthday party started to get their belonging together and leave.
I was gobsmacked as there was over half of the Victoria Sponge left.
Gin Galore!
What an absolute waste!
You can imagine our delight when the birthday party ladies approached us and offered us some of the Victoria sponge. They were completely ‘caked out’ and couldn’t fit in another crumb and didn’t want it to go to waste.
A Very Vintage Afternoon
Of course, we could hardly refuse. It just looked too good to say no.
And we were so glad that we didn’t. It was so terrifically good, we were literally moaning in appreciation.
Beautiful Atmosphere
Light, flavoursome sponge, home-made tart jam and a thick layer of cream. Topped with more sponge, berries and a light dusting of sugar, it really was a masterpiece in cakes.
Of course, after we all had a piece, time really had run out and we needed to be getting back to the office.
Original Features plus Additional Flowers
The only thing was, we all felt like we needed a nap!
As I left, I snapped a few pictures of the outside of the building. It has such old features which have been accentuated by floral garlands and there is even an old-fashioned bike parked outside which is bedecked in flowers too.
Fancy a Ride?
The whole vibe of the café is one of a relaxed, warm welcome and it offers wonderful treats at a decent price too.
I know I will be a repeat visitor as it offers and provides absolutely everything I want in a local café.
All I need now is for them to get in some stock of Earl Grey!
Until next time,
SPSG xxx