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On a below-freezing winter morning, a hot drink and breakfast warms the soul and awakens the mind. As the bitter wind and air chilled my bones, I was served this very remedy at Cafe Loco, located on St. Aldates opposite Christ Church Meadow. Vanished were my winter blues and full was my stomach after friendly service and a meal that stuck to my ribs.
As my breakfast companion and I gazed around the dining area of Cafe Loco, the touches of stone that accent the interior of this cafe seemed to blend into the distinctive University buildings and cobbled streets surrounding the property. With a cappuccino machine hissing merrily in the background, we sat in a bright corner overlooking the frosty entrance to Christ Church College and its meadow.
A hand-painted mural depicting the playful characters of Alice and Wonderland enjoying the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party adorned the walls above our shoulders as we browsed an assorted menu of delicious food and drinks. As a point of fact, Lewis Carroll’s famous scene served as inspiration for the Loco brand.
I sipped a frothy latte and my companion her breakfast tea while awaiting my order: eggs benedict, poached and served with slow-cooked local ham and smothered with a smooth hollandaise sauce. It soon arrived, accompanied by my friend’s whole-grain waffle coated with maple syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar (Cornish clotted cream optional). We enjoyed our scrumptious, filling breakfast as the attentive staff topped up our drinks and looked after our every request and need.
Cafe Loco is the ideal spot to enjoy an Oxford breakfast and an English cream tea -whatever the season - and it also serves soups, baguettes, sandwiches, and cakes throughout the day. For a quick snack, business luncheons and platters of sandwiches, the deli just off the main room is the best. Owner Graham Wellstead, sandwich guru, formerly developed sandwiches and salads for clients such as Costa, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, and British Airways. He and his chef at the cafe, Luc Gabard, have worked together for many years, including time with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir and Le Petit Blanc.
As an independent, Cafe Loco has the flexibility to strive to fulfill any special request -whether you enjoy your toast slightly burnt, want something completely off the menu, or wish to take that full English breakfast away with you. All meats are cooked on the premises and ingredients are sourced locally where possible. Sandwiches, soups, salads and cakes are made on a daily basis, and Cafe Loco’s extensive menu will please any diner - no matter how large, fussy, or ‘loco’ your appetite.
Reviewed by Abby Freeland |
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