Three independent cafes and delis in Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon is packed with independent cafes, restaurants and occasional food stands. Here’s a selection of my favourites for a day-time treat; whether it’s coffee and a cake or something to take home for later.

1. The Coffee Girl - for coffee and a cinnamon bun

Emma-Jane, aka The Coffee Girl has built up a loyal following of locals and commuters keen to sample her freshly made coffee and local cakes served from the back of her coffee van, Enzo.

You’ll find Enzo parked up in front of Bradford on Avon’s station; perfectly located for a quick beverage before jumping on the train or heading down to the river.

Having worked as a retail director for Fired Earth, EJ set up The Coffee Girl in 2018 after deciding to leave the interiors brand following a business restructure. She quickly decided to do something different and invest in her own mobile coffee business. “I love coffee,” she says. “I thought, why not.”

She’s been passionate about working with local, independent businesses from the start, and sources coffee from The Columbian Company in Bath. Founded by Jhampoll Gutierrez Gomez, the company buys coffee from Colombia and roasts it in the south west (They have a store on the corner of Abbeygate Street and Abbey Green in Bath and one on Whiteladies Road in Bristol).

EJ says: “He’s Columbian. Him and his wife own the business and he knows the bean producers in Columbia. He’s so passionate.”

EJ combines the coffee (or real flaked chocolate if you fancy a hot chocolate) with Ivy House organic milk which comes from Jersey herds in the west country. You can also choose from a selection of cakes, including muffins, banana cake and millionaire shortbread made by local bakers Fannie’s Fancies and Didi Cakes.

I’d recommend visiting on Thursdays or Fridays when EJ takes a special delivery of cinnamon and cardamon buns from Bun in the Oven, based near Frome. Linnea Johansson bakes the authentic homemade Swedish buns using spelt flour which gives it a slightly deeper almost savoury flavour. That’s married with sweet cinnamon, a hint of cardamon and a crunchy pearl sugar top - yum.

Country Girl Ratings

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Coffee Girl can be found directly in front of Bradford on Avon station from 7.30am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Bradford on Avon station, BA15 1DB

PAW RATING

EJ also stocks handmade local dog biscuits made by Kate’s Pawtastic Organic Treats - the perfect doggy snack after a walk through Barton Farm Country Park and a swim in the river.

2. The Dog House - for a foodie treat for you and your pup

The Dog House is a destination shop for dog lovers far and wide. It’s a treasure trove of doggy essentials, but it’s also a great spot for a coffee and a snack for both you and your pup.

Ruth and her team always offer a warm welcome and can provide answers to many dog-related questions. They can also explain what a pupiccino is….It’s frothy goats milk and it’s on the list of doggie treats available in store. There’s the normal list of coffees, teas and cakes for humans, as well as frozen ice-cream for dogs. The honey, peanut and banana Pupcakes with dog-friendly chocolate icing or iced biscuits are also mega popular.

Sit on sheepskin-lined metal chairs in the cafe area under the arches outside and let your four legged friends say hello to all the dogs coming and going, whilst you enjoy a coffee.

You can also check out the packed shelves of products, from dog toys, to towel coats, posh dog chews, beds, bowls and a wide selection of food. There’s a fridge stocked with Cotswold Raw dog food, which Agnes loves.

The Dog House also offers paddle boarding classes, known as PUPS with SUPs. Both dogs and owners are provided with life jackets and a paddle board and taken on a guided paddle up the river from the centre of town. It’s hugely popular and usually results in a crowd gathering on the bridge to watch paddle boarding dogs - a must try for any adventurous dog owner!