I am somewhat bewildered why I hadn’t heard about this place earlier and am left wondering if my review is betraying the regulars who would prefer to keep this hidden gem secret! However, this is a secret that needs to be broadcast for sure! This...place is amazing!
Located in an industrial estate this place offers a casual look at first glance / arrival. Not “up market” in terms of décor with a casual mix of furniture type and style and flooring/claddings… Looks though, in this case, are certainly deceiving… the service is some of the friendliest and attentive to be found and the menu is contemporary and sophisticated in its creation, execution and quality when it arrives to you.
Seating is available “indoors” and also in their clear plastic enclosed conservatory area. It was heart-warming on our visit to observe children are made welcome (toys and colouring activities available) as is the family pooch with drinking bowls provided. Everyone has a personal view about this but I think well behave dogs and kids add to the atmosphere/vibe making a place seem conformable to be in.
The coffee is by “Supreme” which is a roast/bean I am familiar with and enjoy and, as expected, my hot beverage, arriving timely, was full bodied in flavour and gorgeously presented with decoration on the saucer and a wee chocolate fish too – nice touch as its often small things like this that stick in the mind when looking back on a dining experience.
Food also arrived in a timely fashion, and harking back to my opening paragraphs, the presentation is fantastic - as is the quality of ingredients used. Portion size is generous – to the point of having me wonder how/why this is. Are we being short-changed at the so called up-market cafes? Are the overheads cheaper in this location to allow for such large portion sizes (affecting profit margin per meal)? Why is this? In any case Castle Rock offers extremely good value for money as you are getting 1.5 times the amount of food for the same price as similar meals elsewhere! This is an observation not only on our meals prompting this review but also from watching meals being delivered to others dining… All the meals look so large and gorgeous!
To sum up… well worth the drive from anywhere you live to make the trip to Castle Rock Café to get great friendly service, wonderful food and astounding value for money!More