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Please note, Orchard is now closed. Time Out Food & Drink Editors, May 17.
The younger, more casual sister of the classy Vanilla Black can be found amid the ornate edifices of pedestrianised Sicilian Avenue. Orchard attracts local workers, tourists and, increasingly, those seeking excellent coffee from artisan roasters Ozone. There’s something remarkably cosy about the homespun interior – painted brick, sage-green tongue-and-groove combined with old-school wooden chairs. On the menu you’ll find casual yet accomplished food at surprisingly reasonable prices. Simple-sounding dishes served on mismatching china are given a twist: a sandwich could be Ribblesdale vintage cheddar and onion chutney on wild garlic granary, or a hot plate might be a perfectly poached egg on a spinach fritter with deliciously smoky mayo. The relaxed atmosphere, aided by friendly and solicitous staff, encourages diners to linger over that great coffee and try the scrummy cakes. Those in a rush pick up treats such as salted toffee, tonka bean and rhubarb jam biscuits, and bags of (ground or bean) coffee to take away.