Soprano's in Sevenoaks

I've been visiting Soprano's in Sevenoaks for some time. It's one of those places where you know you're going to get some good food. I'm not saying it's something special. No, it's a caff at the end of the day, but in all honesty, caffs are where it's at, they always have been. Simple. If I had to guess how many times I'd visited this particular caff, I'd say half a dozen times, not that many, but I know one thing: it's a place I can trust for a good snack. And trust is the crux of everything.

Soprano's in Sevenoaks, 30 September 2023

I was there today (30th September 2023). But I narrowly dodged a bullet. Those with me wanted to go to Wagamama, but no, anything but that I was thinking! Fortunately there were huge queues outside of the place so I thought we'd head to Sopranos instead, although that's not strictly how things happened. My companions had been to Soprano's already - while I was parking the car. They found it full and sent me a text saying they were heading for Wagamama instead. I really wasn't that happy, but fortunately I passed it before they did and noticed the huge queues. We headed back to Soprano's where a vacant table certainly lifted my spirits.

We were shoe-horned in and handed laminated menus. Two salmon pancakes were ordered and I chose a traditional Tuscan flatbread (Jerzy Piadina) filled with chicken, pesto and cheese. And it was that last ingredient that was nagging at me. When I examined the menu I soon realised that virtually every dish included cheese, it was hard to avoid it. But there was no point going elsewhere. 

There were problems. The waiter committed the ultimate sin: he tried to upsell us with a portion of chips. We didn't want chips but he foisted them upon us and I wasn't quick enough to notice what he'd done. That was annoying. So annoying that it coloured our entire experience. We felt a little bit conned and I hate that. There's nothing worse. In fact, it was so annoying and affected everything and will probably mean that we don't visit Soprano's for a very long time. Why? Because we will always remember it and that will drive us to find somewhere else to eat until, one day, we forgive them. It's amazing how small things can change my entire relationship with a restaurant. One of my favourite all-time 'caffs' is the Pop Inn in Redhill. I used to go there all the time and slowly made my way through the menu, loving every minute of the place, getting to know the staff and so on. Recently, however, I asked for one piece of toast and marmalade and was told by the waitress that I have to order two slices. I did, but I have now resolved never to go back there. Why couldn't I have just one slice of toast? There was no reason and that's why I'm not going back there for a very long time.

The bill for the two salmon pancakes, the Jerzy Piadina, the infamous small portion of chips, a cappuccino, a pot of tea and a hot chocolate was £36.35.

Coffee at Kiwi House, Limpsfield Village, near Oxted, Surrey

Riding down Titsey Hill on a bicycle weighing up my options: do I turn right and head towards Oxted where a choice of Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and a couple of independents nestle quietly in the High Street awaiting my custom or do I bear left and ride through Limpsfield Village where I think there's an independent coffee shop. If I opt for the latter will it be open, is it still there? It doesn't matter as I can always double back, head up Granville Road and ride into Oxted for cup of chain store cappuccino.

Coffee at Kiwi House, Limpsfield Village, Surrey

Fortunately, it was open and it was called Coffee at Kiwi House, a rather strange name for a coffee shop, but what a wondrous place! Wooden floors and furniture, a little bit on the trendy side, run by women (the best coffee shops are run by women!) and there was also a very feminine edge to the clientele too. Alright, there were two men in there, chatting away, plus yours truly, but there were more groups of women, some old, some young and the vibe was laid back and friendly.

Cappuccino and an almond croissant

And now I'm going to make a huge claim. I would argue that the cappuccino I enjoyed at this great establishment was, by a mile, the best I've experienced... anywhere in the world - and believe me when I say I've had my fair share of frothy coffee in stores throughout Europe and in the USA. Now, you might think that an extravagant claim, but I stand by it in the same way that, up until recently (and I'll qualify that word 'recently' in a minute) I would argue that the best almond croissant I've ever eaten was purchased from an AMT Coffee kiosk on East Croydon station. Recently, however, there appears to be either none left or they've stopped using that particular supplier. And talking of almond croissants, the ones on offer at Coffee at Kiwi House are certainly 'up there'; they're a million times better than anything I'm likely to experience in a chain operation and I would say that my purchase of a cappuccino (the best in the world) and an almond croissant (let's for now say the second best in the world) was well worth the money spent. I can't remember exactly how much, but let's assume it was in the region of £7. 

I sat there looking out of the window and then perusing the laminated menu left on the wooden table. It was nice to be in the warm and I certainly wasn't looking forward to going back outside, jumping on the bike and riding up the rather daunting Titsey Hill. And that, of course, is the problem with coffee shops in general: you're not there for the long haul, it's a quick fix, a coffee, an almond croissant and then you must be on your way. 

The all-day menu had plenty to offer the weary and the not so weary. Scrambled egg made with three free range eggs (£7.50); avocado and tomato with coriander, extra virgin olive oil and lime (£8.00). Both the scrambled eggs and the avocado are served with either wholemeal or white bloomer, bagel or toast (gluten free); and let's not forget the additional extras ranging from grilled tomatoes (£1.25); baked beans (£2.00); sliced avocado (£2.50); sausages or bacon (both £2.75) and then smoked salmon (£3.25). A toast portion is £3.00 with an extra £1 charge for sourdough. Home-made granola will set you back a fiver, creamy porridge is £3.50 and then there are a range of panini breads for £6.75, fairly pricey sandwiches ranging from £7 for thick smoked bacon or pork sausages up to a staggering £9.75 for an egg, bacon and sausage sandwich - although I can't vouch for what you get for the money (that's why a return trip is needed). I'm guessing, based on my assessment of the place and having enjoyed the ambience with a coffee and croissant, that it's good and filling and not disappointing, I just get that vibe from the place. Posh Cheese on Toast comes at a posh price (£7.50) although it is served with a side salad as is a home-made quiche, which also comes with salad. There's a ploughman's lunch which will set you back £9 or £11 depending on what you have - sliced ham, mature Cheddar or brie. Two choices for the lower price, three for top dollar.

My almond croissant set me back £3.00. A plain one costs £2.50 and is served with jam and butter. Cakes range from £2.50 to £3.50 for small and large varieties and believe me, the larger ones are large and look very impressive. Home-made scones and toasted tea cakes cost £2.75.

I sat there enjoying the vibe, enjoying the almond croissant and calmly sipping my cappuccino, which must have set me back just over £3.00. The price list is on a board behind the counter and I can't remember exactly how much it was. All I do know is that I'll definitely be making a return visit to sample the food on offer.