The Frying Pan, Walsall
At the heart of every town centre is a busy cafe which stands the test of time, purely because everyone knows what to expect, writes Lee Perry.
At the heart of every town centre is a busy cafe which stands the test of time, purely because everyone knows what to expect, writes Lee Perry.
This can be said for The Frying Pan, situated on the town centre side of Stafford Street, a small, perhaps a little poky, cafe which attracts regular customers attracted by its simple but efficient menu.
Despite its relatively small space, with 18 seats spread over six tables, it is a warm and inviting area, unfussy, undemanding and a hub of activity on its busiest days, Friday and Saturday.
The cafe, which has a menu with feelgood favourites such as pies, cooked breakfasts, hot pork baps, attracts a wide range of customers, from workmen in the week, to pensioners enjoying a cup of tea, and then weary shoppers, young and old, at the weekends, taking a relaxing time out from busier pursuits such as shopping.
If ever there was a cafe that resembles Ian Beale's famous business in Albert Square, this is it.
That's not an insult however. It is pretty clear this is where customers feel relaxed enough to gather, enjoy a cup of tea and a good old natter.
The decor is simple, drapes hiding half the window, which manages to give passers-by a quick glimpse of the cafe inside, rather than modern glass and garish colours used by so many chains, and encourage them inside.
Despite not having gone through any obvious changes in recent years, there has been one major change which is not entirely obvious.
The cafe has now been taken over by husband and wife Martin and Susan Lees, from Bloxwich, and partner Paula Birch, from Norton Canes.
It is clear they relish having taken over this cafe six months ago since its last owner chose the sunnier climes of Spain instead of Walsall.
The three can be seen working behind the scenes, from the small counter and the rear of the eating space, through to the kitchen at the back.
Mr Lees believes the cafe is a huge hit with its regular customers, tempted in by a menu they have come to rely on and enjoy.
This ranges from the popular and tasty house breakfast (£3.50) to the mammoth extra-large breakfast, with a belly-bursting three pieces of bacon, three sausages, two eggs, beans, mushrooms and tomatoes. Oh and bread or toast, plus a cup of tea thrown in for good measure.
Elsewhere, the big sellers are warming pies, or egg, chips and beans at £1.80, and the good value, not to mention filling, jacket potatoes with a range of toppings for just £1.50.
Mr Lees admits that attempts to adapt or add to the menu, with regards to more posh nosh, have been unpopular. Customers, it seems, know and love The Frying Pan purely because it offers exactly what they love.
The Frying Pan is open Monday to Saturday from 8am-2.30pm.
Stafford Street, Walsall
Tel: 01922 616200
