Cities can be surprisingly tricky spots to find a good bite to eat if you lack local knowledge. Discovering a family-run gem like the Comfy Pew Café Bistro in Gloucester is worth its weight in gold when you get a guaranteed warm welcome and generously portioned, hearty comfort food.
While the menu is of course the major draw, the interiors here are pretty spectacular too. This sweet café-cum-restaurant is found within a listed 14th century building that is as charming and endearing as you’d expect. Low ceilings are covered in dark wooden beams that run across them and down the walls, while the whitewashed panels in between give a lovely point of contrast. The buzzy dining room is furnished with wide wooden tables – perfect for group dining – and pew-style benches which add to the old-world atmosphere.
The team here are passionate about what they offer and are famed for their warm welcome and bend-over-backwards service. While there might not be dedicated dietary menus, the kitchen is always happy to help with requests for anyone who might need a dish tweaking and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as standard.
If you’re around at breakfast time, don’t miss the generous fry up which comes with Old Spot sausages, smoky bacon and all the trimmings – including crispy has browns. For something lighter there are breakfast baps, smoked salmon bagels and French toast served with lashings of sticky maple syrup.
At lunchtime you’ll find jacket potatoes, salads, and sandwiches as well as an enticing selection of burgers and hot dogs which all come with fries, salad and coleslaw. Here you can choose from a classic beef burger, a vegan Moving Mountains patty or a footlong hotdog.
Come the evening there are regular events that include steak nights as well as cheese and charcuterie parties.