Hobb’s Cafe at Monsal Head, near Ashford in the Water has been a cafe/tearoom for more than 80 years. Ray & Rose took it over 2 years ago & have completely refurbished it and it is fantastic, tasteful quality. It is made up of a series of small rooms, just like walking through several cottages – throughout tables are dotted around with the occasional sofa. You can sit outside & enjoy the marvellous views of Monsal Dale. Interesting craft bits, cards & potential presents fill the rear rooms. The light lunch menu consists of sandwiches, pannini’s, oakcakes and salads with cakes & scones available all day. We had two types of oatcakes one filled with mushrooms in a garlic & creme fraiche sauce the other with Wensleydale & Cranberry cheese with extremely imaginative salad garnish and not a boring lettuce leaf in sight. All the cakes looked fantastic, I did resist but not next time. Ben had this amazing chocolate squigy cake with liquid chocolate in the middle “the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had”. Proper cappuccino’s are served as well as a good range of other drinks. Everything seems right here, the food, the service & the surroundings. We look forward to going back very soon.
Open Tuesday to Sunday until the end of October with reduced Winter openings. Tel:01629 640346
Called in again yesterday (just for research purposes), I had some of the chocolate cake – a slight crunch to the top & so moist inside – it did not disappoint. We sat outside enjoying the sun & view. This cafe really does deserve our maximum 6* rating.