George and Bertie's, Cannock
In a day and age where there is a Starbucks lurking on almost every street corner, it is refreshing to see that there are independent, cosy cafes still around.
In a day and age where there is a Starbucks lurking on almost every street corner, it is refreshing to see that there are independent, cosy cafes still around.
Which is why George and Bertie's caught my eye as I was walking through the bustling shoppers in Cannock town centre looking for somewhere to stop to for a bite.
From the outside, set back under the canape which forms part of an undercover walkway in front of the cafe, the quaint black and white facade of George and Bertie's is most inviting.
Tables and chairs are set in front of the white-paned windows and under the shelter of the canape, meaning it is as easy to sit outside and enjoy a cup of tea while watching the shoppers, students and workers rush along Market Hall Street through the heart of the town.
As I pulled open the heavy wooden door, fitted with thick, old-style glazed glass, I was immediately met by the welcoming sound of the of friends chatting together over food and drink.
The room is intimate with a counter running from the kitchen door at the far side down the centre of the room toward the front window. Each side of the counter has a varnished wooden top and George and Bertie's placemats placed at intervals, while the centre of the counter is a walkway for staff to serve customers, like an old-style, ice-cream parlour.
The high-stool chairs have red velvet seating and are evenly spaced along the counter.
Across the full length of the two walls is breakfast bar-style seating and a couple of tables and chairs of a more usual height in the window.
On the walls are pictures, in keeping with the old-fashioned parlour feel of the cafe, of 19th Century Gilbert and Sullivan style actresses including Mrs Langtry, who caused a sensation back in the 1880s as the first society woman to end up on the stage.
The cafe is full of people sitting around the main counter at lunchtime grabbing a take-out as well as eating in.
They range from workers grabbing a quick bite while they have a chat with a friend to older shoppers who have come into town and are resting with a cup of tea and a snack.
Full of variety and choice, the menu caters from those who are peckish to those who are famished. From all-day breakfasts and cod and chips for less than £5, through to jacket potatoes and wraps; all the food is fresh and cooked while you wait.
Drinks range from milkshakes and soft drinks through to hot chocolate and cream, plus the usual tea and coffee.
Looking for something warm but not too filling I chose a bacon and cheese baguette from the menu and a glass of cola which came to just under £5.
The baguette was packed with gorgeous, melt-in-the-mouth bacon and liberally piled with melted cheese. There was also a generous helping of side salad.
With its decor and surroundings, George and Bertie's is a cosy, warm place to nip out of the bustle of the day for lunch and a chat with friends. The food is homemade and delicious.
