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I’m always on the lookout for cafes with something to keep our toddler occupied so when I saw a little playhouse in Roots Cafe posted on Instagram, it was added to the list. I’ve also stolen the review opportunity off my fellow Blog Preston foodie reviewer, Karen as it was on her list! Oops, sorry Karen.
My husband Simon, our toddler B and I headed over to Catforth on a Saturday morning arriving around 11.15am, giving B chance to have a bit of a play whilst we browsed the menu and ordered. The car park was surprisingly full, and we struggled to get through the door due to the queue of people waiting to order food. We couldn’t believe how busy it was but soon realised there was a large group of cyclists from Clitheroe Bike Club taking a well-earned pit stop. A quick look around revealed the cycling themed decor, so it is clearly a regular stop for cyclists. Luckily, we were able to grab a table before Daddy and B went over to the little playhouse and I joined the queue to order.
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Fifteen minutes queuing gave me adequate time to make my indecisive mind up about what I wanted to eat and a chance to see the large range of Rocky Road flavours on the counter. Waiting wasn’t an issue because it was great to see this lovely cafe so busy with families, dog walkers, cyclists, and friends. I usually get quite anxious if a place is busy, especially thinking about where we will sit with B, what she will be able to eat, if there are baby changing facilities etc, but everyone was so friendly and chatty, and the busyness of the place added a surprisingly calm and happy vibe to the atmosphere. I overheard someone in the queue say it was the busiest they’d seen it and I think the cyclists were probably the reason for that.
B enjoyed the little playhouse which had a play kitchen inside and a little coffee shop counter. There were books, a wheelbarrow, a pram and dolly, and a few other bits which kept her, and a number of other children occupied. Hoorah.
After ordering we sat at the table and read the Hey Duggee Football Badge book (It’s Coming Home!) before B became a little bit restless so off for a wander we went. The sun had got his hat on, so we went to the outdoor seating area and pretty garden, discovering another little playhouse. B ran in to explore and just as she started opening, closing, opening, closing, opening, and closing (you get the idea) the window to play peekaboo, Daddy messaged from inside to say the food had arrived. I managed to coax her away from her new pad and upon arriving back inside, we found the cyclists had left and the queue had died down despite it now being lunchtime.
Simon chose the Chicken and Avocado Salad (£10) with an Americano and as I’d not had any breakfast, I went for a Barn Door Breakfast Baton (£10) with a bottle of apple juice. B had Sausage, Chips and Peas from the Little Roots menu (£6). Describing the Barn Door Breakfast Baton, the menu stated “It’s that big, you’ll never close it…” I accepted the challenge. I managed to close it (do I win a prize?), however, I couldn’t eat it, so an open sandwich it became once more. The baton was two large barmcakes that were still attached. As usual, my eyes were bigger than my belly and I couldn’t finish the baton, but the filling (or topping) was fresh, full of flavour and cooked perfectly with runny eggs, just how I like them. B ate all her lunch plus bits of Daddy’s and bits of Mummy’s… greedy little munchkin. Naughty Mummy did pinch one of her chips which was yummy yummy in my tummy. Simon found the salad crisp, fresh with plenty of chicken and avocado and a nice balsamic dressing which wasn’t too sharp as some can be. He thought the coffee was good too, not apex but very nice.
The all-day breakfast and lunch menu has various options and there’s something for everyone. They cater for allergies, and I did see a few gluten free cake options on the counter including an orange cake and a mango cake. They also cater for dogs with a Pippy Pops menu and the price of a Puppicino is a tail wag. Too cute.
I was happy to find the toilets had baby changing facilities but if you can’t find them, they’re outside and around the back.
The total was £31.50, the portion size was great, and the food was good. Pretty place and lovely atmosphere with toys to keep the littles ones happy. We will definitely be back… Rocky Road next time.
They were definitely barmcakes. They were not buns or baps. Don’t agree? Comment below.
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