With Nottingham becoming my new home for the next three years, today I decided to start to explore local cafes and restaurants that differ from those of a chain branch. Nottingham is a haven for independent shops, bars and restaurants and I have a strong love for nutritious food that does not lack the delicious taste of a less beneficial alternative. Cartwheel Cafe and Roastery was recommended to me by a member of my family and therefore I thought that this would be a great place to try out first! They pride themselves of roasting their own coffee and using local and healthy ingredients to ‘nourish and delight’.
The cafe is located on Low Pavement Street, about a 15 minute walk from where I’m situated at Nottingham Trent University and an 8 minute walk from the main shopping location, the Victoria Centre. It was very easy to find and is surrounded by other shops and well-known restaurants.
I loved the interior of the cafe; they have designed and created a sweet cafe with a modern space and relaxed atmosphere. I was surprised by the size of the cafe; it is quite small inside, however this did produce a cosy feel to the experience. Not only can visitors sit and order off their drink or breakfast and lunch menu, they also offer a variety of takeaway options including salads and sandwiches. I particularly liked how each food item was displayed next to a small chalkboard sign showing what’s available.
I tried out the brunch menu that just happens to be served all day, every day! The options range from toast with toppings, avocado and eggs to pancakes, bacon and salmon and salads. The menu really does cater for all dietary requirements, catering for meat and fish-lovers, to vegetarians and vegans. They also have a wide variety of cakes on display ready to be purchased, including carrot cake and chocolate and toffee tartlets – delicious!
I found it very hard to select what I wanted to try out because of the wide variety of choice on offer! However, I eventually selected the smashed avocado and poached eggs on toasted sourdough. This came with golden linseeds and toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top. I think the dish is very reasonably priced with the prices ranging from £2.30 to £14.75. Going all in with the multiple toppings option would definitely create a serious brunch! This choice consisted of two pouched eggs on sourdough served with streaky bacon, sausage, mushrooms and onions, homemade baked beans and potato hash! In other words, you certainly get a lot for your money!
I did wonder whether the dishes would turn up to the table looking good with perfect presentation as it is simple food. How wrong could I be, the food is an Instagram dreams! I definitely enjoyed all of the elements on my plate and it sure did satisfy by lunch cravings! I will without a doubt be back to try out other items on the menu. I’m thinking next time I will opt for something completely different, maybe the vegan special of red pepper hummus, marinated tofu on toasted sourdough, topped with pine nuts. I would 100% recommend this breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. I loved how they were more than willing to adapt their menu to suit individual tastes and requirements and the staff were very welcoming to all visitors.
When my mum comes to visit me at University, I will for sure be taking her to this lunch spot! Do you have any other lunch recommendations that I could explore in Nottingham?
Rachel
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