Tough at the top (Earsham Street Cafe, Bungay)

Earsham Street Cafe,

Bungay,

Open 9:00-4:00 7 days a week,

 Highly Recommended

Ever since I first visited the Earsham Street Cafe it has been the Cake Crusader number 1 rated cafe (see second opinion). However I have not returned in 2014 and having now reviewed over 70 cafes and tea rooms since that first visit, I was keen to make sure that it's, and my standards, have been maintained. I imagined that the Earsham Street Cafe staff would have had a sleepless night and nervous morning waiting for my visit. That is if they actually had any idea who I was, if they had known I was coming and if they knew they were top of the Cake Crusader ratings. But they didn't, so they hadn't.

As this was such an important ride I had asked Andrew (who is notoriously hard to please) to be my guest today so as to really put them to the test. As Earsham Street Cafe always seems to be busy we left a bit earlier to avoid the lunch time rush. However this turned out to be a huge mistake.

The ride down was uneventful and we arrived, as planned, at 11:30.

Outside Earsham Street Cafe just before the lunchtime rush

One of the best features at Earsham Street Cafe is that they let you wheel your bikes through to the outdoor seating area at the back. This meant I didn't need to use my Alarmio lock today knowing that the bikes would be safe.

Wheeling bikes through the cafe to the outside seating area

Although the outdoor seating area is very sheltered, being December, we decided to sit in the main indoor area today. We found a table and I got out my fruit based name smart phone device and located the cafe ratings spreadsheet ready for today's critical updating. The first category was effective cake selection (ECS) so we went to check out the cakes which were on display in the window. Although not the biggest selection there was plenty to choose from and they all looked very tempting. Therefore the cake selection was very effective and got a high ECS score consistent with previous visits.

Very effective cake selection, hard to make a choice

It was now time to order and I went for hot chocolate, chocolate and orange cake plus a cheese scone so that I could do an in depth cake taste quality (CTQ) test. Andrew (who is notoriously hard to please) ordered a Cappuccino, lemon drizzle cake and decided he wanted a humus sandwich as well. It was at this point that things started to unwind as the nice waitress pointed out that Andrew couldn't have his humus sandwich as it was part of the lunchtime menu which didn't come into operation until 12 o'clock which was 25 minutes away.

She explained chef was busy preparing for lunch in order to make sure everything was ready and fresh. However Andrew could have a bacon sandwich instead as this was on the breakfast menu. As a faddy vegetarian this didn't do it for him so he declined the offer and just went with cake. 

Obviously such an incident sent Andrew off into a rant but as we are British his rant got directed at me rather than the Earsham Street Cafe staff. His main point seemed a good one; cooking bacon and make it into a sandwich was likely to distract chef from his lunchtime prep far more than slapping a bit of humus on to some bread. I had to agree with him but moaning to me about it wasn't really going to help fulfil his sandwich needs. 

After sometime, not helped by other customers ordering bacon sandwiches, I managed to calm him down and get him re focused on the matter in hand. I was worried the humus sandwich incident (HSI) would affect his rating judgement but as sandwiches form no part of my cafe cycle rating system it was important that this matter was parked for now. Andrew maybe notoriously hard to please but showed great professionalism as we returned to the discuss the atmosphere and ambiance rating.

Our drinks and cakes arrived and all looked very good. The only disappointment was that my cheese scone hadn't been warmed up like I think a cheese scone should be. I didn't like to ask if it could be heated in case it distracted chef further from any pressing lunchtime prep.

Cakes and drinks ready for tasting

The hot chocolate was excellent, nice and thick, a good temperature and very chocolaty. Andrew thought his cappuccino was very nice although could have been slightly stronger for absolute top marks.

I entered all the ratings into the spreadsheet and Earsham Street Cafe was still at the top with just the cake taste quality (CTQ) score to come. However they would still need a very high CTQ rating to hold on to top spot so it was all to play for. With some trepidation we tucked into our cakes. I knew what I thought straight away but from his face I couldn't tell which way Andrew was going to go with his lemon drizzle. I asked what he thought and after the correctly timed dramatic pause he announced that it was a fab-u-lous piece of cake. I also thought the chocolate and orange cake I had was one of the best cakes of this year and despite it not being warm the cheese scone was top draw too. The high CTQ score was entered and the final scores were in.

Despite the HSI and the cold cheese scone the Earsham Street Cafe had actually upped it's average rating by 0.03 to extend it's lead as the Cake Crusader number 1 rated cafe. Andrew, who was obviously feeling guilty about his rant, even left a tip which is unheard of. We both agreed it deserved its number 1 rating and will return next year to see if it can stay at the top for another 12 months.

As I left the cafe an old chap approached me and clearly wanted to engage me in conversation. He asked me the unexpected question of 'do I ring my bell when overtaking dog walkers?' I had to admit I didn't as if he had looked at my bike he would have seen that I didn't actually have a bell and I couldn't help but notice nor he a dog. 

He said I needed to get a bell as when cyclists ride up behind dog walkers going at 30 mph (I assume the cyclist not the dog walker) the dogs can't hear you coming and get spooked. I said that I only wished that I could cycle at 30 mph and was even less likely to be able to by adding the weight and air resistance of a bell to my bike. However I promised to take his advice on board and that I would pass on his request to other cyclists. Therefore instead of my normal guest cyclist top cycling tip a special one off feature.

Complete stranger coming up to you in the street top cycling tip no 1. When going at 30mph on your bike make sure you ring your bell when overtaking dog walkers so as not to spook the dog.

The ride home was hard work as it was into the wind and we never got close to going at 30 mph. This meant that my lack of bell was not an issue and we arrived home with no dogs unnecessarily spooked.

With the final ride of the year completed I now have everything in place for announcing the Cake Crusader 2014 award winners between Christmas and New year.

Ratings for Earsham Street Cafe based on last 3 visits (Last Visited 19th October 2021)

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
8.57	8.5	8.00	8.67	9	8.55

Map of route

Click here to download 40 mile Norwich Bungay loop gpx file for your gps

Cake Crusader Christmas Sportive. (31 mile via Britannia cafe, Norwich)

Sportive 9,

The Britannia Cafe,

Norwich,

Opening times Mon-Fri 7:30-22:00, Sat 08:00-22:00,

Sun 08:00-20:00

 Recommended

Earlier this year you may remember that I had a near death funny turn and was unable to go on a cafe cycle ride for a couple of months. During this time I did some cafe bus rides instead so I could fulfil my cafe reviewing obsession. One such trip was to the highly recommended Britannia cafe overlooking Mousehold Heath. Unfortunately due to a number of logistical issues (no buses and no cake) it was an unsatisfactory experience (see not a good Friday). I therefore felt it was about time for a return visit as part of a proper cycle ride in order to check out the Britannia cafe properly. Sunday's Christmas sportive (fancy dress actively discouraged) seemed an ideal opportunity for such a ride.

A disappointing entry of 6 arrived at Race HQ for pre ride faffing about. A number of Christmas related family events had caused several regulars to cry off but it was good to see another sportive newbie (Gwyn) make her debut.

Christmas sportive riders ready to set off with no fancy dress in sight.

Today's route was a loop round from South to North Norwich before stopping at The Britannia cafe and returning through the city. The first half of the route was very quiet but we hit some busier roads at the North end. I suspect this was because a lot of country folk were careering down them into Norwich for those last minute Christmas gifts. So not a highly recommended route.

This was the first Sportive since I introduced the popular 'Cycling guest cycle top tip' feature. With 5 guests to chose from today I made it clear that only the very best one would make it on to the official top tip list. This was a good job as despite much encouragement the standard of tips offered were rather poor. Andrew eventually came up with best tip but only because it rhymes

Cycling guest cycle top tip no 8. If you have ridden in the rain don't forget to lube your chain.

The rest of the ride went smoothly until we were joined by a mystery rider who had snuck onto the back of our peleton. Thanks to my tour leading skills we were riding so nicely in formation that the mystery cyclist wanted to know if we were a club. Andrew thought it was easiest to say yes than explain about blogs and cafe reviews. Fortunately before he was asked further questions on membership numbers, club nights, why we didn't have matching kit etc our route went off in a different direction and he was saved from further lying.

Flooded road to cross

Our final challenge was to cross a flooded road but once through this we soon arrived at the Britannia cafe.

Outside the Britannia cafe in the outdoor seating area
which over looks Moueshold heath and Norwich

After parking our bikes in the empty outside seating area and enjoying the stunning view over Norwich we went inside. It was great to see there was a good selection of extremely large cakes so I could now improve their effective cake selection (ECS) average score as there had only been scones available on my last trip here.

Good cake selections with some very large cakes and one remaining sausage roll

Whilst waiting to be served a customer asked if they could have a child's baguette (baguette de enfant).They were politely told that all the baguettes were the same size. What size would that be asked the customer. Baguette size was the short answer. I thought this to be the correct response but decided to avoid portion questions when I ordered.

Between us we got a selection of cup size coffees and cake slice size slices of cake including Chocolate and Hazelnut, Victoria sponge and coffee and walnut. Chris (Mrs Crusader) also had the last sausage roll in a futile attempt to force Barry to have cake but he didn't.

Whilst I was trying to organise the sportive members into cafe reviewing activities an acquaintance of Dom's came over for a chat. Seeing Doms cycle gear he asked him if he was a member of a club. He also said yes before moving the conversation on. 

It was becoming clear that my sportive riders were either harbouring a secret desire to be in a cycling club or just liked to tell lies. I now couldn't be sure if they would be honest in their reviewing duties but as I generally ignore their input anyway so it probably doesn't matter.

Large cake slice sizes of cake and some of the drinks

I eventually got everyone focused on the matter in hand. The general consensus was that the Britannia cafe has an excellent ambiance and atmosphere, the hot chocolate was good, the various coffees were ok but a bit weak and the cakes were nice but slightly dry. All in all a much better experience then my previous visit and well worth a visit if you are out that way.

As Dom works nearby he said he knew the best route back. Bowing to his superior knowledge and always eager to learn I happily passed over tour leaders duty. I had to make it clear he wouldn't get to wear my tour leaders gilet or get a special tour leaders badge. Despite his obvious disappointment he led us back through the side streets of Norwich for a safe return.

Average scores based on two visits

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
7.0	6.0	5.25	5.5	7.5	6.25

Route

Click here to down load 30 mile Norwich Loop gpx file to your GPS

Appreciate your coat (Fairhaven water gardens cafe, South Walsham)

Fairhaven Water Gardens Cafe,

South Walsham,

Opening times 10:00-16:00 Everyday

This is always a difficult time of year for cafe cycle reviewing as everyone's thoughts begin to turn to Christmas. There are less cafes that are open or cycle guests available who aren't preparing for the festive season. I was therefore pleased that firstly I secured some guests; Chris (Mrs Crusader) and Barry and Helen and their tandem. And secondly, with the help of some twittering action, I confirmed that Fairhavens water gardens cafe was definitely open today. 

We met up at today's meeting point for a route that Barry had prepared and then set off towards our venue in South Walsham.

On the way I told my guests that British cycling seemed to have copied my excellent cycling guest top cycling tip feature as they had put a top ten winter tips article on their website and advertised it on twitter. I had been interested to see how it compared with my feature but was shocked when I got to their winter tip 4. It said 'ditch the cafe stop' which is very counter to my whole ethos. Apparently this is because you are likely to keep your coat on in the cafe and not feel the benefit when you go outside again. This is the level of advice I expect from my mother and not a well respected organisation like British cycling so I suggest your ignore their top winter tips and stick to the ones provided by my knowledgeable cycling guests.

Unfortunately none of Chris, Barry or Helen proved to be very knowledgeable cycling guests after all and couldn't come up with a decent tip so it was left up to Barry and Helen's Tandem to give me a worth while top cycling tip.

Cycling Guest top cycling tip No 7. Don't unnecessarily cycle through puddles as it gets your bike cold, wet, muddy and very unhappy. 

It was a cold day but with wind behind we made good progress to Fairhaven water gardens cafe. 

Outside Fairhaven water gardens cafe with distinct lack of signage

There is a nice outside patio seating area where we left our bikes before heading to the warm inside. As always I went to the counter to check out the cakes where I found there was a fairly small cake selection. However I was torn between the Pear and Ginger cake and a cheese scone so still could award a reasonable effective cake selection (ECS) score.

Cake selection

I ordered a hot chocolate and Barry a Cappuccino. Chris and Helen went for a Mochaccino which is apparently half hot chocolate and half cappuccino so we had all combinations covered.

In the end I chose the Pear and Ginger cake and Chris and Helen both went for coffee cake. Once again Barry was a cafe cycling disappointment by going for a sausage roll, which is clearly not a cake so I asked him to sit on a separate table until he could start taking cake reviewing seriously.

Cakes and drinks with sausage roll moved out of picture

Despite the drinks all coming out of a machine I thought my hot chocolate was very good. Barry thought his cappuccino was a bit weak which obviously feed into the mochaccinos so the guest hot drink quality (GHDQ) didn't rate so highly. Although I liked my Pear and Ginger cake the coffee cake was a bit on the dry side so the cake taste quality (CTQ) was only an average score as well.

Overall Fairhavens water garden cafe was a nice warm stop on a cold day and I'm sure would be even better if you included time to go round the gardens as well, but we didn't. I obviously made sure I removed my coat whilst inside the cafe, just in case British cycling were right.

After replacing my coat we set off on the journey home which went smoothly and we even got some egg news action. Remember for up to date Egg news flashes and all the latest cafe cycle news then follow on twitter (Cake crusader@cafecycletour) or like the new cafe cycle tour facebook page.


I have two more pre Christmas rides planned in final preparation for the end of year cafe cycle awards. So more news on those soon.

Ratings

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.5	5.5	5.5	6.0	7.0	6.10

Mind the gap. (The Coffee lounge, Attleborough)

The Coffee Lounge,

Attleborough,

Opening times Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00,

Sat 08:30-16:00

Recommended 

Looking at the cafe locations map there is an obvious gap to the South West of Norwich. With the wind blowing from that direction then yesterday was the day to start plugging that gap. It was also the last Friday that Big George could be a guest for a month so it was an ideal one stone, two dead birds sort of day. I therefore decided we should head to the wilds of Attleborough where we would hopefully find a cafe to review.

The weather forecast said that the remains of the weather bomb would pass over this morning but that it would still be windy and cold. 

The disadvantage of a strong headwind is that not only does it slow you down but you cant hear what your cycling guest might be saying. This headwind, combined with Big George's strong Scottish accent meant I had no idea what he was waffling on about so I just shouted yes a lot as we rode along.

Unfortunately I did not learn from my previous overheating experience and despite heading into the wind I had soon over heated again and needed a hot top stop. During the hot top stop I was able to ask Big George for today's cycling guest top cycling tip. He told me it covers riding efficiency.

Cycling guests top cycling tip No. 6. Get more from your core. Shorten your stem, relax your shoulders and engage your core for a more efficient riding position.

It was the first top tip that comes with a strap line (Get more from your core) so I'm hoping that future cycling guests will now start to include strap lines with their top tips.

We battled on into the wind until we arrived  in Attleborough where we found the Coffee Lounge on the high street.

Outside the coffee Lounge.
We parked bikes by the sign making it clear we could only leave them there two hours (or is that cars)

Outside was possible the smallest outside seating area I have found to date, 2 chairs and a table on the pavement. We decided not to use it as we would be likely to block the pavement and cause total gridlock on the street's of Attleborough.

Rather small outside seating area on the busy high street

The Coffee Lounge provides both a front and back room inside seating area which were both busy giving a good buzz to the atmosphere. We managed to find a table by the drinks fridge before studying the cake selection.

There was a very good selection of big cakes available and I found it hard to chose so gave a very high effective cake selection (ECS) rating.

Good selection of cakes in photo proof display unit

With such a good cake selection I was disappointed when Big George decided to have a bacon sandwich (on white, no sauce). As a bacon sandwich (on white, no sauce) is clearly not a cake then Big George would take no further part in any cake related reviewing today. He ordered a Latte to go with his bacon sandwich (on white, no sauce).

Cakes and drinks photographed before
Big George's Bacon sandwich (white, no sauce) arrived.

My hot chocolate was a very very hot drink but when it had cooled enough for me to drink it was quite good. Big George also though his Latte was quite good. For my cake I had chosen the last slice of layer sparkle sponge but I couldn't decide if I really liked it or not. I liked the cake bit but not the sparkly bits on the icing. In the end there was only one thing to do; award a middling cake taste quality (CTQ) score to cover both options.

Overall I liked the Coffee Lounge and it has nicely filled the cafe gap on my locations map opening up more route options in a south westerly direction.

The way back was with wind behind so I could now make out what Big George was talking to me about. I decided I preferred it when we were cycling into the wind.

Ratings 

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.5	6.5	8.0	6.5	6.25	6.75

Map of route we took.

Click link to download 36 mile Norwich Attleborough loop GPX for your GPS

Weather Bomb. (The Barn, Holt)

Barn Cafe,

Holt,

Opening times Mon-Sat 08:45-17:00

Recommended 

I woke up this morning to hear that the UK had been hit by a Weather Bomb. Further investigation found that this was just a new way of saying it would be rather windy. As I had never done a cafe cycle ride in a Weather Bomb before I was excited to get out and see what it was all about. First I needed a guest who was up for some Weather Bomb action so I texted Andrew (who is notoriously hard to please) and he was more than happy to step up to the plate.

We agreed to start from his house and head towards the north Norfolk coast for maximum Weather Bomb impact and thought that a cafe in Holt would be good. I hadn't been to the Barn cafe since before the blog started so we agreed to go there as it had been a nice stop previously.

It was difficult to know what to wear during a Weather Bomb but I knew I needed to at least double sock to keep my feet warm. Which I did.

On the way out I asked Andrew for today's cycling guest top cycling tip. Once again his top tip was focused on the winter cycle season.

Cycling guest top cycling tip No.5. To keep your cycling fitness and enthusiasm in the winter it is better to go riding little and often rather than wait for a nice day to go a long way.

We were following his top tip today and agreed that we should limited the ride to 30 miles in these conditions. After about 20 of these miles we arrived at the barn in Holt feeling rather windswept.

Outside the Barn cafe in the continental style outside seating area

There is a continental outside seating area available but despite the barn cafe's Weather Bomb proof heavy iron furniture we decided to sit indoors. We had a choice of upstairs or downstairs seating and decided on the table nearest the counter. This made it easy to check out the cakes.

On first glance it looked like a rather small selection but this turned out not to be the case. Once the friendly waitress had walked me through the cake offering it became clear that there was a good number I would have liked to try, it was just there was not a lot of each type of cake on display. I therefore awarded a high effective cake selection (ECS) rating. 

Don't be fooled by the size of the cake selection as there are lots to chose from

I went for sticky lemon cake with my hot chocolate and Andrew (who is notoriously hard to please) went for fruit crumble cake, with crumble cake fruit of the day being plum. He also had a cappuccino.

Drinks (with nice decorative touch) and cakes ready for trying

The cakes were both excellent and got a good cake taste quality (CTQ) rating. My hot chocolate was certainly hot but not exceptional however Andrew thought his cappuccino was really good and gave it an 8. 

With his uncharacteristic high scoring I was worried that the Weather Bomb may have affected him. I needn't have worried as he soon went off on a rant about the Christmas music being played in the background. He became unhappy when Shaky wished everyone a Merry Christmas. I managed to distract him but he returned to the subject when each new record came on. We finished when Wizzard started to wish that it could be Christmas everyday. I liked their thinking as I'm getting a new bike for Christmas so would have lots more bikes if Wizzard got their way but as Andrew is only expecting socks he was not so keen. 

Apart from this the barn had proved to be a great stop and scored well placing it well up my cafe cycle table. They also gave me a loyalty card which I have added to my loyalty card picture library available down the side of the blog.

Just as we were leaving someone came in asking if they knew where the mystery alarm noise was coming from as no one could detect it's source. I sheepishly sneaked out as Alarmio (my Alarmed bike lock) had gone off in the Weather Bomb wind.The first part of my security system had clearly worked well but the second part (me chasing off potential bike thief's) had failed to work. I think I need to go on a bike security refresher training course. With no bike thief's in sight I disabled Alarmio and we set off again.

Although it had been windy the Weather Bomb was a little disappointing as I had cycled in much windier conditions. Worse I had overlayered (I had double topped as well as double socked) so got very hot on the way back. Fortunately the wind was from behind so we got back extra quick and I could cool down.

Ratings

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	7.0	7.40

Route

Click here to download 32 Mile Alysham Holt loop GPX file for your GPS

Bombshell (Assembly House cafe, Norwich)

Assembly House,

Norwich,

Opening times Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00,

Sun 10:00-17:00,

Highly Recommended

I have been given many recommendations for cafes and tearooms in and around Norwich so I felt it was time that I met up with my Norwich city centre guest reviewer, Mr X, for a visit to one of them, the Assembly House cafe. To make it a proper cafe cycle review I still went on my bike despite it only being two miles down the road. I planned to extend the ride out to the university swimming pool for some training for next years Germany Ironman triathlon event which I seemed to have entered. It looked like I was in for a great afternoon of cafe cycle reviewing and triathlon training, my two favourite things, so I wasn't expecting a bombshell to be dropped.

I continue to be unable to reveal the identity of Mr X as he should have been creating shareholder value at a well known insurance company rather than out discussing the quality of cake and I don't want to get him into trouble. As always he came in disguise and had to reveal himself to me, so to speak, at our rendezvous point.

The Assembly House was built in the 18th century as a centre for entertainment and assemblies for the local gentry. Myself and Mr X both consider ourselves to be local gentry so we fitted right in.

Outside Assembly House in my 18th century local gentry style hi viz jacket

As we were just having drinks and cake we chose to sit in the leather bound chairs in the entrance hall. There is also a formal dinning area plus an outside seating area in the courtyard but it was too cold for that. The rooms are still set up to look like they did during the regency period so not surprisingly we found ourselves talking in 18th century local gentry speak. 

I checked out the cakes at the cake counter. There was a good selection of traditional cakes and scones on display so I awarded a good effective cake selection (ECS) rating.

Nice selection of  traditional cakes and scones on cakes counter

Everything was going well, we liked the ambiance, we liked the cake selection and we liked speaking the way of 18th century local gentry. However we were not expect the aforementioned bombshell that happened next. As a drinker and self proclaimed authority on Hot Chocolate I was excited to see the "The House Hot Chocolate" on the menu which was apparently "Made from our own special recipe". At £3.50 it was going to be the most expensive hot chocolate I would have ever had so I was expecting something pretty special.

When the waiter arrived I ordered my drink but before I had time to place my cake selection he dropped the Bombshell, which wasn't even a word in the 18th century. The coffee machine was bust and there would be no Hot Chocolate or fancy coffee available at the Assembly house this day. I was left in a quandary as my cafe rating scoring system is dependent on a hot chocolate quality (HCQ) rating. Not knowing what to do I panicked and ordered a cup of tea instead. I also ordered a cheese scone and carrot cake and Mr X ordered a Green tea and cheese scone.

Cakes and drinks which required a surprisingly large amount of china for two people.

The cheese scones were good and had been warmed to the correct temperature. The carrot cake slice was also good, and enormous, but we did feel it had got a bit carried away on the cinnamon front. Overall I still gave a good cake taste quality (CTQ) score. No guest had ever had a green tea before but apparently Mr X thought it was a very good one so gave a high guest hot drink quality (HCDQ) rating. My tea was nice but didn't impact the score as there is no drinks rating category for me if I don't have Hot Chocolate.

Despite the Bombshell the Assembly House had scored well and if the Hot Chocolate had scored as highly as it sounded it might have gone into my coveted cafe or tearoom top ten. I need to plan a return visit so I can complete the cafe cycle reviewing job by trying a House Hot Chocolate.

I later discovered that it is hard to swim straight after eating a big slice of carrot cake so I wont be doing that again.

Ratings for Assembly house

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
N/A	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.25

Note the fry up inspector has also been here. Click here for his review.