100% Gluten Free

 Smak may have a different meaning over here but its USP in Vancouver is 100% gluten free.

Marlow in Bucks has just announced it will shortly have a 100% gluten free cafe to join the other five cafes in town.

Nibsy's "for the love of coffee and all things gluten free" has just opened in Reading.  A new trend?

Do You Mention the View?

Views are important to customers and the Lift restaurant in Vancouver knows it and, quite rightly, mentions it in their signage.  Do you capitalise on a view that you have?

Donuts Plus

 Cartems Donutterie in Vancouver

 Whiskey Bacon

 Vegan Earl Grey, Cherry Bourbon Fritter and Apple Fritter

 Earl Grey

 Cinnamon Brulee, Classic, Citrus Dust and Honey Parmesan

Coffee Loving Cyclists

Musette Cafe in Vancouver has an owner as passionate about coffee as cycling - his collection of cycling memorabilia fills the walls.

 Check out the back counter handlebar holders for their selection of bottled beers on offer.

 Prices are Canadian Dollars which makes a Cappuccino under £2

 Bike stand inside the cafe.

Classic Baking

 Tesco's Bakery Project aims to restore the crown jewels of classic British bread and cakes.

 Bannock Shortbread

 Hackney Marsh Cake

Rock Cakes

 Victoria Sponge and Carrot cakes in the chiller

 Scones

Mancakes

Breakfast Cupcake - Vanilla base with smoked bacon and egg custard filling, maple syrup buttercream icing and crisp granola crunch.

 Righting the wrong that's been done to cupcakes at Mancakes, Vancouver!

 King Kong, Pink Peppercorn Grapefruit, Chicago and Apple Brie flavours.

 Bacon Chili Chocolate, Breakfast, Buffalo Wing and Godzilla variations.

 Rum & Coke, Chocolate Red Wine, Tequile Pineapple and Whiskey Lime cupcakes.

Tesco's Bakery Project

 Just opened at Tesco Loudwater and rolling out down south.

 Inspired by their Euphorium Bakery purchase, the 'posh' bowler hat lights and open display look good.

 Definitely 'buy with your eyes' presentation.

Grabbing Your Attention

Signage outside gents' hairdresser Barber & Co in Vancouver

 Worst milkshakes and craft beer at Vancouver's best shoe shop John Fluevog.

We ♥ Van

 Popular water in Vancouver that donates 10% of profits to help the homeless (see http://www.welovevan.com/ ) plus water in cardboard cartons (see http://www.boxedwaterisbetter.com/ ).  We now commence a season of what's new and interesting on the cafe scene in Vancouver plus launch a new blog to complement Great Cafes - Great Street Food at http://greatstreetfood.blogspot.co.uk/ We really do love Van.

Not Just the Horses Get Recognition

Great catering service at Royal Ascot rewarded by Sodexo Prestige's service pins.  Simple, it works and the staff we met really appreciated the recognition.

Tis Time for Lemonade

Home-made lemonade; refreshing, appealing and wonderful profit margin at the Island Bakery on St Agnes.

Loved by 1,500

Holkham Estate's Beach Cafe at Wells-next-the-Sea is now up to 1,500 members of its K9 Club and you can see why.  

Queues for the Wash 'n' Wag dog cleaning station.

 
Hydration Station - Drink Responsibly!

Gluten Free World Expands

Cheese Bites range from Mrs Crimble's adds to the gluten free choice and rivals crisps although not cheap at £2.99 (albeit in a cafe on the Isle of Tresco).

A Real Living Museum

 The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley lives up to its name with boiled sweets produced daily and all on show for the visitors.  Sweet stuff.