I had been wanting to call into the Old Bank Cafe for a few months.
When I drive through Queensferry on a Sunday morning, I always noticed full tables through the window and wondered why it was so popular.
So when my friend was staying over for a film festival, I suggested that we have breakfast at the Old Bank.
And we were both very glad that I did.
Situated unsurprisingly in a former bank building, the interior has been transformed into a light, pleasant eatery.
There is a display of tempting cakes and pastries at the counter, as well as an open kitchen where you can see the dishes being prepared.
My companion, a vegetarian, opted for the Eggs Benedict with avocado and spinach over the vegetarian breakfast.
Although, I had intended to order the Full English, I read through the menu which listed a range of breakfast options.
Some of the dishes on offer are Turkish, including the popular dish Menemen.
But on reading the description of the Turkish breakfast my mind was quickly made up.
When the breakfasts arrived courtesy of the friendly staff, both dishes certainly had the wow factor.
The Eggs Benedict looked restaurant quality in terms of presentation, and my friend assured me it was one of the best veggie breakfasts he had eaten, with the perfectly poached eggs with velvety, runny yolks the standout.
My first impression of the Turkish breakfast was that it looked fantastic.
Sliced Turkish sausage and green peppers served in a hot skillet topped with two fried eggs and a pastry spiral the menu informed me is called a borek.
But that wasn't it, soon a board of delicacies was added to the table: honey, olives, cheese, tomatoes and cucumber, and crusty pretzel-like bread.
In other establishments this would be a sharing platter for two rather than the side companion to a breakfast.
The dish was a revelation of different flavours and textures - a mild heat from the spicy sausage, crunch from the peppers, and rich sauce provided by the yolk from the eggs.
ROOM FOR MORE:
- Authentic taste of something different at Buckley takeaway
- Sandwich shop is a great addition to Shotton High Street
- Fresh and tasty breakfast awaits to the rear of farm shop
The borek too was delicious, flaky pastry wrapped around gooey cheese.
With sweetness from the honey, salty olives, smooth, white cheese, and crusty bread, cooling salad, this was truly a journey for the senses.
We accompanied our meals with coffees - a cappuccino and an oat milk latte - that were also perfect.
The question of why the cafe was so popular was answered in full, and I would certainly recommend it.
With a menu of baguettes, paninis, light bites, salads, and lunches, I will certainly be collecting more stamps on my Old Bank Cafe loyalty card!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel