This light and airy café is adjacent to St John’s Church and works with some of the region’s best local and independent suppliers to serve seasonal and responsibly sourced food and drink. Not so quiet at the weekend when its tables fill quickly for lunch, Arch offers a welcome, pocket-friendly and peaceful break from similarly sized chain eateries due to its slightly concealed location and solid ethical business model. Those concerned about food miles can rest assured the café sources its meat, eggs, bread and mayo locally, and valued outdoor-reared or free-range animal produce.
The countertop is laden with huge homemade layer cakes which pair perfectly with tea or coffee, but more substantial lunches can consist of freshly made flans and tarts, a toasted ciabatta, a warming portion of Welsh rarebit or a crunchy green salad – all prepared in the small kitchen and priced at an average of £5. Cream tea will set you back a mere £3.50 (or £6.50 for two), and a full-blown afternoon tea costs a very reasonable £8.95 (£16.95 for two), for which you’ll be served a cute selection of finger sandwiches, a steaming pot of loose-leaf tea, a crumbly scone with clotted cream and jam, and a choice a two cakes. You’ll wonder why you hadn’t stumbled upon it sooner.