Cafe Dharma – The Real Patisserie in St George’s Road, Kemp Town
My interview was over and I was going through the usual nervous post mortem of how I’d responded to questions and my thoughts on the role on offer – so I thought I deserved a treat. The Real Patisserie bakery cafe was just below the office where the interview had taken place so it seemed like an obvious choice.
I’m a huge fan of Real Patisserie bread but hadn’t visited their cafe before. The two south-west facing doors were wide open allowing the fresh air in and a regular stream of customers too. It’s a busy place – not a chilled out spot in the slightest. There was plenty of bustle with people coming and going all the time. My gaze took in the wonderful spread of pastries both sweet and savoury, the fresh fruit tarts, the freshly baked quiches and filled baguettes.
There’s one long oak table opposite the serving area with a bench running down either side giving a communal feel. I grabbed a corner of the wooden seating and took in my surroundings. My cappuccino and pain au raisin were delicious and I hungrily devoured my choice of pastry and supped on my hot drink.
Blackboards hanging from the ceiling advertise the specials on offer and you can take your pick from the open wooden racks below of savouries and pizzas all with tantalising fillings and toppings.
The small bakery area towards the back was a hive of activity as dough was pummeled and shaped and cheese topped croissants were put in the oven for baking. There’s a great yeasty aroma filling the space and a magnificent line up of bread, crusty and fresh ready for selection; white sourdough, chewy brown, artisan baguette. Presently there is a display of coloured wood cut prints of Sussex on the walls of familiar scenes such as Birling Gap and Firle Beacon giving a local feel.
My appetite sated I bought a large loaf of their wholemeal rye and walnut bread to take away which is one of my favourites. I think I’ll be coming back here more often to buy their sumptuous produce as, by the way, I got the job!
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