‘The
Empire Cafe for Luncheons & Teas’: what could be a more
tempting invitation? Whether a regular being greeted by name or a
stranger visiting for the first time, you are assured a warm and
friendly welcome when you stop by The Empire Cafe in Cheap Street. It
is just like being welcomed by family – well I certainly was when I
popped in for a mid-morning coffee and bun when I was browsing that
end of town recently. There is more than luncheons and teas to be had
– breakfast for a start. I overheard one lady ask what time they
finished serving breakfast: ‘About 6 o’clock tonight!’ was the
cheery reply. Then there are sandwiches, cakes ... and puddings to go
with the luncheons. There is plenty of seating, and books and
magazines to browse whiling away a quiet half hour or so enjoying
whatever snack or meal takes your fancy. But don’t think you have
to eat in: The Empire is also a bakery so you can buy your loaf and
buns (or how about a deliciously sinful lardy cake?) to take home.
Don’t mind if I do!
The
main reason for being in Cheap Street was a trip to the Post Office,
but as you head towards the railway station there is a host of
different types of shops and outlets which make an interesting mix,
and which give Newbury real character. And what a mix it is: you will
find everything here, from the showroom for Ripples bathrooms to
estate agents to charity shops to Swan Upholstery Supplies – I
didn’t know they ran workshops, and a friend of mine has some
chairs she wants to reupholster so I will give her the heads up.
There
are Chinese and Indian takeaways and restaurants, including,
intriguingly, Just Lucky’s Indian tapas bar and restaurant. If this
is not to your taste, there is the Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Or how about good ol’ fish and chips from The
Plaice? You’ll go neither hungry nor thirsty as there are plenty of
pubs in Cheap Street too, including Jack of Newbury, Diamond Tap and
King Charles Tavern.
If
you want your hair done there are several salons: Harris Hair, Super
Stars and Bravo Hair – a particular favourite of mine. Next door to Bravo is Peter Earthy jewellers, the window packed with jewels with
hand-written notes to describe the goods – ‘Brilliant cut three
stone diamond’ and encouragement to ‘keep the real craft alive’
by buying British.
What
else have we got? The Chiropractic Centre, Lucinda’s Beauty –
and T4 Cameras who share a building with malt whisky specialist The
Dram Room. Now there’s an unusual pairing! I told you there was a
good mix!
There
is much more here but time and space mean I cannot possibly mention
everything, so do go and have a look yourself ... though I can’t
let the moment pass without reference to Pageant – suppliers of fancy
dress and all things party-related. I have been longing to hold a
fancy dress party ... wonder if I could get away with going
burlesque? Would give the husband a laugh anyway!
Until
next time ...
Biddy
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