The Rest Hotel

The coffee was the best part of our visit. We tried oat milk lattes and cappuccinos, and they were balanced rather than bitter, clearly made with proper espresso equipment. The milk was handled well and the drinks came quickly. Service was organised and efficient throughout, with staff taking our order soon after we sat down. There’s no host when you arrive, so you can choose any available seat, but table service follows. There were plenty of staff around, and no one seemed left waiting. The food didn’t live up to the prices. The ham and cheese sandwich, around £8, was basic: untoasted bread, very little filling, stale crisps and a small salad. The soup portion was small too, and its texture was uneven, with thick chunks mixed into thinner liquid. We ordered sandwiches, BLTs and soup. The choices that day were leek and potato or carrot and coriander, and most of us chose leek and potato. A few things were already unavailable, including baguettes for soup, scones and grilled chicken. For a Saturday around lunchtime, that was a little disappointing. It’s a comfortable, calm space, with no music, just background conversation, so it was easy to talk. We’d come back for coffee, but I’d be choosier about the food unless the stock, value and execution improve. We’d stopped for coffee and food without realizing it was part of a hotel. From outside and once you’re in, it comes across as a cosy café and bar, which works well.