Pop up to Villa Farm Shop in Huddersfield at lunchtime and you're bound to see a queue of office workers waiting patiently in front of the deli counter for a fresh made sandwich, salad or pie.
And now the farm shop's regulars can treat themselves to more leisurely lunch with the opening of The Old Forge Coffee Shop next door.
It had just opened when my colleague Lauren and I popped up to grab a sandwich from the farm shop one lunchtime — so we decided to return see what it had to offer.
The cafe itself is light, airy and a bit of a tardis, with plenty of room inside beyond the understated entrance.
We visited after the lunchtime rush and were immediately seated, handed menus and asked what we would like to drink — speedy service!
I ordered a frothy cappuccino (£2.40) while my colleague Lauren Ballinger indulged in a luxury hot chocolate.
Lauren said: "The luxury hot chocolate (£3) came in a huge mug and was deliciously creamy with sweet marshmallows on top. Definitely luxury!"
The cafe serves hot and cold sandwiches, soup, paninis, baked potatoes and 'Villa Farm Platters' serving quiche, pate, roast ham, pork pies and more.
The menu also includes a children's sandwich menu, there's a daily specials board and the cafe serves cooked breakfasts from 8.30am-11.30am.
You can also book afternoon tea between 1pm-3pm — finger sandwiches, a scone and mini cakes and pastries with a pot of tea costs £15.50 per person. You can upgrade to add Prosecco for £18.95 per person.
I opted for a baked potato with prawn Marie Rose and rocket, which came served with a hearty salad and homemade coleslaw (£5.95).
The baked potato didn't disappoint — crispy on the outside, wonderfully fluffy on the inside, with plenty of fresh prawns in a tangy Marie Rose sauce. The coleslaw was fresh and chunky, and the rocket added a peppery kick.
Lauren ordered a hot beef and onion sandwich.
She said: "The roast beef and onion sandwich (£4.95) was served on a choice of bread (I chose ciabatta) with gravy and sweet potato wedges. The beef was delicious with lovely rich gravy.
"I didn't see the 'sweet' part of 'sweet potato wedges' on the menu and as I'm not a lover of sweet potato, they weren't really for me, but if you like them you know what you're getting!"
With a tempting cake counter by the cafe kitchen, it seemed rude not to finish with a sweet treat.
I opted for a slice of carrot cake, a personal favourite, and it was delicious — generous cream cheese frosting with a sweet, delicately spiced sponge. Heaven.
Lauren said: "For dessert I had a Yorkshire Scallywag (£2.20), which regular visitors to the Villa farm shop will be familiar with!
"It's a rock bun with a cherry on top which was a lovely stodgy end to a delicious meal. It's best with a slather of butter, by the way!"
If you're a fan of the deli counter at Villa Farm, you'll love the Forge Cafe — an airy, relaxing space to indulge in coffee and a cake or enjoy the range of sandwiches and platters.
The Old Forge Coffee Shop, Bradley Villa Farm, Bradford Road, Huddersfield
Tel: 01484 421782
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm, closed Sundays.
Would you go back? Absolutely.
