My
first encounter with Cordial and Grace was almost a year ago when a
group of Bristol's bloggers/cupcake enthusiasts joined forces to
establish Clifton's Cake Crawl. Since then, my visits have been a
little sporadic, though in the last Month or so, I've visited on
three separate occasions - twice with a Living Social voucher in-hand
- entitling its holder to 'Clifton Tea for Two' – and once to dine
at the recently inaugurated B&G Supper Club – each experience
as friendly and gastronomically pleasing as that which preceded it.
Date and Time: February/March 2013 (Clifton Tea for Two: 13th February and 13th March, Supper Club: 2nd March)
Date and Time: February/March 2013 (Clifton Tea for Two: 13th February and 13th March, Supper Club: 2nd March)
Name
of Establishment: Cordial and Grace*
Location: 9 The Mall, Clifton Village
Reason for Visit: Predominantly to indulge in cake, if I'm honest...
Cordial and Grace is underpinned with a tag-line encompassing its three strengths 'Sew, Tea, Cake' – the first reflecting the downstairs work-space which is decked out with sewing machines and crafts, the second lending to the wide selection of loose-leaf teas that are available to accompany the latter; the home-baked treats which, often fresh from the oven, are the highlight of any visit...at least on my part! In light of this, let me first talk to the Clifton Tea for Two (normally £7.95 per person) which constitutes a tasting plate of three bite-sized desserts or cakes and a glass of distinctively crisp prosecco. Here, I've sampled the likes of hand-made meringue with chocolate orange ganache (blasphemously good), coconut cake (moist and moreish), mini Victoria sponge (oh-so-dainty) and salted caramel brownies (gooey chocolate flecked with the sweet-salt hit of my very favourite confectionery); all the while relishing the café’s sunny disposition whereby bright colours have been blocked against each other and an almost shabby chic theme, complete with decorative bunting and hand-stitched scatter cushions, showcases a range of the handiwork from the space below deck.
Location: 9 The Mall, Clifton Village
Reason for Visit: Predominantly to indulge in cake, if I'm honest...
Cordial and Grace is underpinned with a tag-line encompassing its three strengths 'Sew, Tea, Cake' – the first reflecting the downstairs work-space which is decked out with sewing machines and crafts, the second lending to the wide selection of loose-leaf teas that are available to accompany the latter; the home-baked treats which, often fresh from the oven, are the highlight of any visit...at least on my part! In light of this, let me first talk to the Clifton Tea for Two (normally £7.95 per person) which constitutes a tasting plate of three bite-sized desserts or cakes and a glass of distinctively crisp prosecco. Here, I've sampled the likes of hand-made meringue with chocolate orange ganache (blasphemously good), coconut cake (moist and moreish), mini Victoria sponge (oh-so-dainty) and salted caramel brownies (gooey chocolate flecked with the sweet-salt hit of my very favourite confectionery); all the while relishing the café’s sunny disposition whereby bright colours have been blocked against each other and an almost shabby chic theme, complete with decorative bunting and hand-stitched scatter cushions, showcases a range of the handiwork from the space below deck.
 |
| Clifton Tea for Two - beautifully presented and quite frankly delicious! |
Besides
cake, Cordial and Grace offer Brunch and savoury bites (well hello
there Rarebit Crumpets!) – it's also the home of the new-found
supper club, 'Belle and Grant at number 9' (or B&G for short)*.
This is an affordable Monthly pop-up dining experience held on the
premises where, for a mere £20, the Best Foodie Friend (BFF) and I
bagged three amazing courses featuring an excellently-executed confit
duck leg which was served alongside hazelnut and duck mousse toasts
as well as puy lentils and a tasty salsa verde. A a trio of chocolate
desserts followed which included a super-sticky home-made honeycomb
that just melted in the mouth. Next month's menu (scheduled for 10th
and11th May) is £27.50 for four courses which, given its French
theme and tempting 'fromage' course, really is fantastically priced;
especially as I can vouch for the quality of the cuisine and the
passion which is clearly applied to each and every dish that emerges
from the kitchen.
 |
| Trio of Chocolate - oh that honeycomb! |
Cordial
and Grace really is a jewel in the crown of Clifton's café culture –
its USP and independent status really sets it aside from its
competitors and its cheerful décor and friendly disposition seals
the deal once you've succumbed to the candy-coloured embrace of your
surroundings and you've taken your first mouthful of something
marvellous! If you're like me – a self-confessed cupcake glutton –
this will undoubtedly make your 'coveted cafés' short-list and if
you're after a brew for the discerning tea-leaf seeker, gluten-free
options, an evening of exclusive dining or somewhere to make pom-pom
pets with your brood (delete as applicable) it will do just
fine...scrap that...fine just doesn't even come close! Many thanks to
Maria and Belle – I'll see you again soon!
 |
 |
And now for the second opinion...
The BFF gave Cordial and Grace a rating of 9/10 and in three words, summed up her experience as; 'sweetness and bright'...
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