Nestled on the corner of two roads, from where it takes its name, Parade and Albany is the new cafe in the pretty Surrey village of Claygate.  Offering delicious fresh homemade food, service with a smile and a child and dog friendly approach, how has Claygate taken to this new eatery?

Firstly, it’s difficult to say whether ‘café’ if the right description.  Parade and Albany is somewhere between a trendy London styled café and a restaurant.  With lunch time sandwiches advertised as ‘smashed avocado on toast’ and ‘pickled walnuts with goats cheese’ Parade and Albany is far from the usual greasy spoon; - yet between the hours of 8 and 11 am the café is packed with customers enjoying a traditional full English breakfast.

Afternoons sees customers socialising with friends over a pot of tea and a mouth-watering slice of one of the many homemade cakes on display, the chocolate fudge cake is to die for, the lemon drizzle of soft and light, and a personal favourite of mine as it sounds almost healthy, the cafes signature carrot cake. 

Then we move onto the evenings.  Open only on a Thursday and Friday night the hustle and bustle of the daytime café is transformed into a calm sophisticated candle lit affair.  Crisp white tablecloths, sparking crystal glasses and 3 course set menu to die for.  The evening restaurant is unlicensed, and customers are able to bring their own wine for a small corkage fee – and if they forget there’s the excellent local off-licence, Excellar just next door!

So, what do the local residents of Claygate think of their new café/restaurant?  ‘A very welcome addition to Claygate’ says Susan, mother of three and part time nurse.  ‘This new coffee house / café / bistro has been a long time in the making, but the wait has been worth it,’ and according to local Dad Paul ‘Came for a rainy Sunday brunch, the place was packed, let’s hope they continue to do so well.’

The village of Claygate, about 30 minutes train ride west from Waterloo.  It takes its name from its clay pits that were used to make bricks to build much of the surrounding area, including Hampton Court Palace.  It consists of the main ‘Parade’ with a small but varied selection of shops including a hairdresser, a charity shop, a butcher, a baker, a fish and chip take away, Platform 3, the smallest pub in the UK, and yes, that’s right, it’s next door to the station, and now a very successful café!

As I sit and write this article, enjoying an outside seat at Parade and Albany with a creamy cappuccino by myside I can’t help but smile.  What better way to pass the day than relaxing with and excellent cup of coffee and watching the world go by.