The Bookcafe
The Bookcafe in Derby is a stylish yet quirky city-centre retreat, where the ambience is calming and inspiring. With friendly service, a fabulous selection of drinks, and wholesome, delicious food, this is a venue of choice for locals and visitors alike: a cosy haven nestled within the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
Derby-based owners Lisa and Cam originally founded the Bookcafe in York, but moved the business to Derby in 2000 and relocated to its current location in 2009.
This licensed café is located on the main drag of Derby’s cornmarket, its large shopfront decked out with a cool window display and plenty of books! The Grade 2-listed building was originally a Victorian banking hall and retains the high ceilings and original pillars.
The design is inspirational: traditional and contemporary artwork, as well as shelves of books to peruse. You go up a few steps and straight in front of you is a funky retro-style barbers. Turn left before the barbers and you’re in the café. The lively kitchen is at the back of the venue, overlooking the guests. And the counter is busy with smiling staff and percolating machines!
The menu is varied, with options for all tastes. They use the best local produce where available and cater well for dietary requirements. Breakfasts are served until 11.30 and lunch from 11.45, so whether you’re after a vegan feast, a hand-made burger, a super-salad or a ‘proper bacon cob’ you’re sure to be satisfied.
On our visit we ordered a double espresso and avocado on sourdough toast with crispy bacon. We took our table marker and helped ourselves to iced water and cutlery, and chose a table in the large shop-front window overlooking the city centre. Breakfast was delicious and portion sizes are not for the faint-hearted!
The Bookcafe is a great venue for solo visitors and for groups alike; for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea, this is a great place to be.
The popularity of this venue has led Lisa and Cam to open a second Bookcafe in the historic market town of Belper – watch this space!
By Steph Walsh, Derbyshire correspondent
Photos: Bookcafe
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