On a beautiful summer’s day in July we took a jaunt to Beeston to visit vegetarian restaurant Cafe Roya, which brought fresh, healthy holiday vibes and warm service.
It’s a great thing for us herbivores that almost all restaurants cater for vegetarians and vegans these days. Whilst this is a positive cultural change, the number of purely plant-based establishments seems to have somewhat dwindled. Luckily for Notts, Cafe Roya offers creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine in an intimate setting, which is definitely worth the tram ride out to Beeston.
Walking into Cafe Roya, I was immediately struck by the beautiful decor; the walls are dotted with artwork, the counter is adorned with a handcrafted mosaic, and upstairs the rustic bare brick walls and cute tables offer an intimate setting for their dinner service.
Roya herself worked at Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains before opening her own place fifteen years ago. She was not in that day, but chatting with her partner it was revealed that the decor, menu and all round vibe are inspired by Roya’s travels and tastes. This is something I love about independent eateries - the character and warmth that come from personal penchants, stories and experiences, rather than a faceless business serving quick food for money. There were details dotted around - like a Benjamin Zephaniah poem on the loo door, or colourful clipboards (very artfully) painted by customers - which all added to the character of the restaurant.
On this visit I came for the lunch menu, where for £14.95 you can choose from three ‘hot bakes’; a Spanish med veg casserole with basil oil, Cambodian tempeh stuffed aubergine, or a roasted red pepper and goats cheese tart. Being an absolute tart for all things pastry myself, I went for the latter and I wasn’t disappointed - the base was perfectly crumbly, the goats cheese brought warmth and softness, and the roasted pepper a little tasty zing. I could eat this for days.
Delicious, healthy, good value and packed with character - I think I’ve found my new favourite restaurant in Notts
Along with the hot bake came five different salad medleys. Initially this was a bit confusing as to whether I was to choose one of the five, or pick five separate salad ingredients - but I was quite delighted that all five were actually included. If you enjoy eating healthy and fresh - this is the nonpareil of salads: you get the expected leaves, carrot, shallots, cucumber and tomatoes etc, but sprinkled in is avocado, poppy slaw, olives, fennel, green beans and more. I particularly adored the tempeh ‘bacon’ pieces which added a richness, and the sprinklings of fresh herbs and tahini. All salads will be pale in comparison from now on, and I’m very much inspired to up my salad game at home.
I’m not usually a dessert person, but I was too tempted by the salted miso chocolate brownie, which was served with ice cream, fresh strawberries, raspberries and physalis. This was an absolute melt-in-your-mouth dreamcake, perfectly balancing salty and sweet, with subtle hints of miso which weren’t out of place or overpowering in any way. In contrast, my companion chose the peach and mango oaty bake, which gave warm, comforting country cooking vibes - something I’d definitely want to order on a cold day. I should add that these are available as vegan or gluten free options too!
Cafe Roya is open Tuesday - Saturday, with lunch served between midday and 2pm. I’m told the atmosphere becomes cosier and more intimate for the dinner service (5-11pm), which offers a separate menu that changes monthly, and I will definitely be visiting again to try that. They offer options to suit any dietary requirements, so if you’re gluten free or celiac, just give them a ring to discuss how they can adapt their dishes. They have previously put on events, such as film and music nights, plus I spotted a Spanish inspired bottomless brunch which looked very tempting.
Delicious, healthy, good value and packed with character - I think I’ve found my new favourite restaurant in Notts.
Visit Cafe Roya Tues - Sat at 130 Wollaton Rd, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2PE. The menu varies each month, with lunch available midday - 2.30pm and dinner served between 5-11pm
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