Please note, Fleet River Bakery has now closed. Time Out Food editors, March 2019.
This café-bakery’s focal point is its heavily laden counter of baked delights. Alongside old favourites (moist carrot or chocolate cake), there are more unusual offerings, such as the ‘Fleet Jaffa Slice’ and caramel and peanut butter shortbread – all perfect with a cup of quality Monmouth coffee. The cafe’s tucked-away location has done nothing to inhibit its success, and lunch hour draws a crowd, much of which is from local offices.
Sandwiches, quiches and frittatas are also available, and a daily special is offered from midday, when the scene is reminiscent of a school canteen, with customers queueing for staff to spoon a robust portion of steaming stew, bake or pie on to their plates. Such popularity is not without reason: chicken, mushroom and tarragon lasagne (£7) was an unfussy, filling and tasty affair.
They have recently added mezze and cheese plates to the offering on Thursday and Friday nights.
Decor has a modern-rustic vibe, with reclaimed-door tabletops adding interest to otherwise unremarkable surroundings. If you don’t mind the lack of elbow room, this is a great place to grab a decent lunch for under a tenner.