Set above a traditional chinaware shop, The Drawing Room is a tucked-away treasure run by chef-owner Lisa Armitage and her welcoming team. Lisa brings a wealth of experience from some of the region’s top kitchens – including Perkins in Plumtree – and it shows.
The café offers a calm, elegant space to relax over carefully prepared food and drink. Brunch is a highlight, with a menu built around locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flair. Dishes include eggs royale made with poached Local Vine House Farm eggs and served on a toasted English muffin. For something lighter, there’s homemade granola with fresh fruit and Greek yoghurt. At lunch, options include the likes of harissa pulled pork ciabatta or grilled goat’s cheese salad with roasted beetroot and honey-glazed walnuts. Lunch specials change regularly and offer the same high quality, while the scones, cakes and pastries – all made in-house – are irresistible. There’s also afternoon tea.
The Drawing Room delivers excellent cooking in a characterful setting. Add in the warm service and prime location on one of the UK’s prettiest high streets, and you’ve got something special.
