Whistlers Review

Overall Rating

Clearly genuinely enthusiastic about delivering their product. What a refreshing change.
A bespoke coffee blend they've had put together with traceable origins. An obviously high quality espresso with great crema, a great nose, and one which while very smooth also cuts through the milk nicely. A league above the usual mass produced offerings.
I treated myself to a Steak, Horseradish and Ale pie, good pastry, plenty of meat, and au natrelle like the rest of the food - no chemicals, prepared on site in their kitchen fresh on the day.
The shortbread was OK, but didn't do anything for me particularly. Their gingerbread however was fantastic, not dissimilar to Lake District gingerbread, which for those that have experienced it is about as far removed from your usual gingerbread men with buttons as you can get. Will be making this a regular haunt, there's a lot more to try yet.

They're really set up for takeaway and it's a small store, so table numbers are limited (I think there were 7 or so). At busy times it'll be hard to get a table.
They need more clearer information on what they've made up that day, otherwise it's easy to miss it.

In general this is a very strong attempt at the coffee shop sector, business is based on product and word of mouth. Privately owned by all accounts, and although it looks like a branded unit there only seems to be 1, plus a separate kitchen operation elsewhere on site where it all gets made.
A very professional and competent delivery from apparent newcomers and they've raised the game above a number of the big names already if you ask me. Credit where it's due!

Members' Comments onpjharrison's Review

• jmfinchley on 10th Mar 2007

  I'd certainly second this. Whistlers is the best coffee led cafe I've visited in some time, a real treat. I can't remember the last time I've been served a genuine top quality interesting coffee blend, as I usually have to buy direct from speciality suppliers and prepare at home. Bulk cheap blends are so often sold as 'gourmet' or 'italian' on the high street, when it's the coffee equivalent of a bottle of Black Tower, and pricing it like a bottle of Barolo doesn't fool those that know.. I think we all know who I'm talking about. I'm a coffee guy, but a toasted ciabatta packed with cherry tomatos, avocado, mozzarella and bacon was a cherry on the cake. Fleet is now on my map. 10/10.

• selfbuilder on 13th Mar 2007

  Tried this place at the weekend, and can only agree with the reviewer's positive remarks. Great coffee and tasty food (fresh home baked baguettes!!) - a revelation!