a quick hour wander in Ripon in the rain and we soon needed sustenance in the form of cakes and a brew so we headed to Oliver's on the suggestion of a staff member in Boots. It was obviously popular and we waited 10 minutes for a table. The place is small but on a sunny or a least dry day there were a good few outside tables to claim as your own, however in the rain we were forced to wait for one indoors. It's a funky little place, mismatched tables and chairs and random vintage wing-backs and sofas, bunting hangs from the beams and the place has a cosy vibe. The menu is great, breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas with an extensive drinks menu to boot. The hot food looked and smelled delicious and was very tempting, but alas, no room after a hearty lunch meant that cake was the best option for us.
I can recommend the milkshakes, my chocolate one was thick, icy cold, frothy and super chocolatey. The coffee was good, not superb, and the Yorkshire blend tea was perfect and served in a gorgeous cast iron teapot. The chocolate orange brownie I chose was moist, dense and fudgey and was full of little chunks of candied orange, the Yorkshire curd tart was crumbly and the apricot frangipane reasonable. The overall opinion was that the pastry wasn't brilliant, but then again I am spoiled by having a mum who is a pastry god, so I have incredibly high standards of comparison. I'd certainly go back to try the food, I have my eye on the rarebits. The staff are young and friendly and it seems like a cool place to stop off at with some good friends for a chat and some foodie delights read more
