Whiteladies
Road and its adjoining neighbourhoods seem to have finally picked up
after what can be described as a rather grim period of inactivity –
its new-found 'token' Wetherpoons gleaming amidst the sporadic
sociability of this once-popular uptown 'strip' and the rumoured
re-launch of Henry Africa's intending to increase the traffic towards
the venue where Sasparilla once stood; reopening its predecessor
somewhat unapologetically in its wake. However, the predominant
pull-factor, for me at least, is Lily and Boo's; a cutesy 'cupcakery'
at the foot of Cotham Hill; an establishment set to satisfy my sweet
tooth and then some...
Date
and Time: Wednesday 7th November 2012,14:30
Name
of Establishment: Lily and Boo's Cupcakery*
Location:
2 Cotham Hill, Cotham, Bristol
Reason
for visit: A celebratory sugar hit with the Best Foodie Friend (BFF)
in light of discovering that I had been short-listed in the 'best
blogger' category as part of the Food Magazine's Reader Awards.
Occupying
the former stomping ground of Deli Delish - at the base of Cotham
Hill and just a stones-throw away from Clifton Down's shopping centre
- Lily and Boo's is a cosy and appealingly candy-coloured
establishment in which pink décor is punctuated with
larger-than-life gingerbread-men and the 'summer-house' style seating
is plumply arranged with vintage-effect scatter cushions. Feel good
tunes play-out idly overhead and the general ambiance is relaxed and
warm. I was also lucky enough to meet both Lily and Boo upon my
arrival; their collective friendliness really sealing the deal when
it comes to welcoming visitors into their fold – you might say even
creating a sense of popping to a mate's gaff for a cuppa’! The
pride that they express in light of the sugary haven they've created
is crystal, and rightly so; the attractive assortment of cupcakes -
thoughtfully arranged upon silver stands beneath the glass of the
counter – also seeming to hint at the level of care that has
encompassed their design.
There
is an ample range to choose from too; each novelly branded and served
upon pretty pastel-coloured plates so to be visually enjoyed before
the first mouthful is taken. I struggled to choose between The Velvet
Elvis (due to my profound weakness for peanut butter) and The Rocky
Road (which comprises a winning combination of marshmallow and
candied popcorn); opting at last for the latter and, it has to be
said, enjoying each and every mouthful! The daily specials are
especially innovative; the BFF choosing the 'Harry Potter' inspired
'Butterbeer' cupcake which was fun and vibrant yet she mooted, an
acquired taste! One might also suggest that the portion sizes are not
to be sniffed at; the cake-to-topping ratio commendably
well-executed. I noticed two chaps on the next table to us, gingerly
cutting their cupcakes into manageable mouthfuls whereas the BFF and
I ploughed through our indulgences in their entirety in the most
unmannerly of fashions! Thus, although so often cupcakes look the
part but fail to deliver in terms of both texture and taste, this is
most certainly not the case at Lily and Boo's as a light and suitably
aerated consistency has been deliciously achieved; the sponge
harbouring a subtle sweetness so not to detract from the hit of the
frosting whereby butter-cream equals melt-in-the-mouth delight!
 |
| The 'Butterbeer' Special |
 |
| The Rocky Road |
There
are other edibles to choose from and yet, why someone would choose to
venture into a cupcakery in search of a savoury muffin, I’ll never
know?! Other confectioneries are a nice touch but, in my view, not
particularly necessary. Though that said, I also just *had* to sample
the macarons which, really rather pricey at £1.35 each (and for what
decidedly constitutes just one mouthful), were disappointingly
average – the texture overly crunchy, bordering on stale if truth
be told. This was a shame as the flavours had been thoughtfully
constructed; particularly in terms of the strawberry and vanilla
macaron which captured the intended contrast between sweet and tart
to perfection.
To
wash down one's nibbles are all the usual suspects; hot drinks are
blended with semi-skimmed milk as standard but soya is available upon
request, (which is of significance if you're a fuss-pot like me when
it comes to the white stuff!) The BFF reported that her latte had
been well-made and yet, the mocha that I had ordered was pretty much
chocca given that the coffee element had been somewhat lost in
translation. Nevertheless, this was a satisfactory beverage which
suitably warmed the cockles...Notable too is the tea-cup size (oo er)
which amounts to what my mum would refer to as a 'swamper' – thus
constituting great value for money as we're talking a mere £2.40 for
a positively generous serving. Though with all that fluid comes a
slight spanner in the (water) works as Lily and Boo's do not have any
customer toilets...we later discovered that they share the facilities
located within the pub across the road which isn't ideal but not
particularly problematic either - especially once you know that
they're there!
In
conclusion, this is a great addition to the city's café culture and
one with which I am hoping to become increasingly well accustomed
(trust me, I've already bagged myself a loyalty card!) Incidentally,
you may be interested to learn that Lily and Boo's will be officially
launching on Friday 23rd November 2012 on which day, from
10:00 – 15:00, the public will be treated to samples of their wares
– do go and see what you think...! I felt that although the
cupcakes were unimpeachably of a very high standard, there are other
aspects of the menu letting the side down – the stale macarons
proving the main offender on my part! Arguably, this would be a
first-rate establishment if the focus remained on their best-sellers
and I would suggest that if Lily and Boo are to explore other
avenues, that they do so with caution - so not to put their customers
off the main event!
And
now for the second opinion...
The
BFF gave Lily and Boo's a rating of 8/10 and in three words, summed
up her experience as 'sweet, sweet, sweet'.
References:
*There
is a fundamental lack of online presence in regards to this
establishment – though watch this space as I will add any details
should they become available.
