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This restaurant review was undertaken on
February 1, 2009
We
were invited by the owner to attend this delightful cafe for
lunch on a Sunday afternoon. The Courtyard Brasserie is hidden
behind the market square in Olney and is not visible to the main
High Street. However it is clear that the locals have found this
cafe and keep going back as the venue is always busy!
Decor
The main part of the building is an open light space with huge
glass windows and doors lining the front. It has the feel of a
conservatory with high ceilings and stone flooring. Many have
told me this venue is lovely in the summer as they open the
glass doors which extend onto a pretty patio garden. The walls
are lined with large art pieces which are available to buy and
the centre of the room has a small display of cakes to tempt
your eyes and tummy!
Service
The young team of staff were all extremely polite and made us
feel welcome despite the busy turn around of customers. Ensure
you ask the staff for the full range of sweets that are
available as we found many more were on offer than listed on the
menu.
Food
The huge menu caters for everyone; choose from sandwiches,
grilled ciabattas, jacket potatoes, main meals, char-grills and
burgers, all day breakfasts, cakes and pastries. There is also a
children's menu available.
After much deliberation we eventually ordered Spaghetti with
Homemade Bolognese sauce £6.25, Garlic ciabatta with cheese
£2.95 and the Courtyard Platter £6.95. Sliced Parma ham, Milano
salami, mozzarella on a bed of rocket, salad & olive dressing
served with ciabatta bread.
The presentation of the dishes is rather attractive and the
portions are impressive. The Courtyard Brasserie definitely
provides excellent value for money. The Spaghetti Bolognese was
mouth watering and I pinched many fork fulls when my guest
wasn't looking. The cheesy garlic ciabatta was gorgeous and
served piping hot.. The salad was fresh and although chosen as a
lighter option I struggled to finish the large portion.
After a little rest, my guest and I finished our lunch with
homemade scones, served with cream and preserves £2.15 and of
course a pot of tea £1.70.
As
a huge love of afternoon tea I was slightly disappointed by the
scones which were every so slightly doughy. The cakes in the
cabinet looked delicious and I felt like I had made the wrong
choice.
All the food at the Courtyard Brasserie is freshly made with
quality ingredients from local suppliers. We have been told that
the sausages from the Olney butcher are to die for........
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is warm, vibrant and relaxed. Most of the
customers are local to Olney so there is a lovely sense of
community. I loved the Olney Brasserie and very much recommend a
visit. I will definitely be returning to try some more cakes.
The facilities are also available for evening parties and
private functions. |
