I've had this one of the list since I spied 'Frenche brioche toast with chocolate and cherries' in 'The butcher, the baker the best coffee maker'. After two laps of the tan I was well and truely feeling deserving of such decedance and the boy was easily persuaded with the promise of beans and soughdough, his latest must have for breakfast.
I would love to give Pearl Cafe more stars as the food was quite divine. Unfortunately the service, which really can make or break a meal, let's be honest was a real let down. My partner asked twice for water and then ended up going and getting some himself from the bar. Coffee was cold, average and my cup spilt as the waitress carried it over, leaving me mopping up the base every time I sipped to avoid any slopping onto my top. The meals took too long, the cafe wasn't busy at all and unfortunately there were no cherries left so I had my french toast with strawberries - delicious perhaps actually a blessing. It was light, the chocolate melted in parts and solid in others with cream and loads of fresh strawberries. Stunning. My partner's meal was substantial, the beans, sausage and eggs baked and served with a generous portion of soughdough. The food was top rate. The other goodies on display looked just as delightful, HUGE muffins, cupcakes and if I hadn't eaten chocolate for breakfast more mornings post easter I probably would have demolished several of those wagon wheels.
So in brief the food was exceptional the coffee was very weak and the service was average - three stars. read more