Willow Farm Cafe puts on a mean Sunday dinner, as Jason Chinnian found out.
I arrived just gone 12.30pm to find the car park quite full and, on entering the restaurant, found that to be virtually full.
The clientele comprised couples, senior and junior, as well as many families with young children with prams. But what amazed me was that the noise levels were low: perhaps the sign of happy customers?
The overall vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Everyone seemed unrushed, enjoying their food and the company of their companions. The staff were well presented in black attire with some sporting white shirts.
The owner, Donna Scrivener, looked calm and collected, smiling as she almost glided across the restaurant floor bringing food and drinks or checking the customers were satisfied. It could be that her relaxed demure engendered the same in her co-workers and even in the customers.
I must confess that I too felt very relaxed and simply sat and waited for my food to arrive.
I ordered the standard Sunday lunch priced at £8.99. However, cheekily, I asked if I could have both pork and beef. There is a large option priced at £9.50.
Whilst waiting I watched as more customers arrived and saw how they were welcomed warmly with smiles and eye contact. These are the indicators that I feel make a difference to the whole customer experience and what brings people back time after time. But the food [or product/service] must be up to scratch.
It only took about 15 minutes for my food to arrive. This was a standard!
My plate was full adorned with two lovely slabs of tender beef and a thick slice of pork. There was also a carrot and swede mash, mashed potato, green beans, broccoli, new potatoes and steamed cabbage with plenty of gravy as well as my own personal gravy boat.
The beef was well cooked but very tender virtually melting in my mouth. The pork was also well cooked but tender and with plenty of flavour. The vegetables were fresh and steamed. The mashes were home-made, firm and not sloshy giving a lovely contrast to both the tender meats and firm vegetables. Nothing was overcooked so retained their consistency, flavour and goodness.
The meats were delicious. I could have eaten a little more of them. The mashes were gorgeous; simple, rustic and full of complimentary flavours. You could sense that someone had put time, effort and love into making it.
Overall, this was a wonderful Sunday lunch. If you just want a plate of flavoursome good food that is cooked with care and consideration then this is the place to come. It is ideal for couples of any age or those with young families. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing allowing you to really enjoy your meal with those around you. There is no sense of being rushed to finish.
Willow Farm Café is a hidden gem slightly off the beaten track. You will find it on the B1363 Wigginton Road on the other side of the bypass heading away from York. I suggest you visit and enjoy before it becomes a hot spot and you need to book in advance.
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