Introducing Aubrey’s, another fantastic hidden treasure in the city of Nottingham, tucked away in the outdated West End Arcade. Aubrey’s Traditional Creperie specialises in authentic crepes and galettes from the Brittany region, France. Serving gourmet coffee, loose leaf teas, Breton cider and other speciality drinks.
My first visit took place on a Wednesday, just after 2pm. The cafe is very small, with 3 tables – seating around 10 people in total, plus additional (covered) seating outside for an extra four. All tables were occupied but not full when we arrived, we were invited to sit on the largest table and share with a couple but shortly after we took our coats off a gentleman sat at the two seater table left so we were able to have a table of our own.
The interior of the creperie is beautiful, with worn white and black tiling decorating the walls it has an old fashioned French kitchen look to it. It may be small but it’s cosy, with some delightful features which show true attention to detail, I particularly liked the tea cups balancing on the homes of missing bricks on the wall.
The main menu is inscribed on a blackboard displayed on the wall, where you’ll find a list of Cidre de Bretagne, and the Galettes (savoury) and Crepes (sweets) on offer. Galettes are made from buckwheat flour and the Crepes from gluten free wheat, in both cases wheat-free and vegan options are available, as well as dairy free ingredients (fillings).
I must admit that I had looked at the menu online before visiting, so I was pretty adamant that I had to try the Smoked salmon, ginger mascapone, chives, rocket, oil & lemon galette. As most of you know, anything that involves Smoked Salmon, I rarely need persuading to try. My friend chose Aubrey’s Omelette which is available in a choice of two fillings, Cheese, Ham, Tomato or Mushroom and served with a green salad. She opted for cheese and ham, alongside an Elderflower Press where I chose English Breakfast Tea. My tea was served in a small pot with loose tea leaves, a pretty teacup and tea leaf strainer – the best way to serve tea in my opinion!
The smoked salmon galette was absolutely delicious. So delicious that I know if I ever visit Aubrey’s again, I wont bother looking at the menu to try something new, it was that good that I couldn’t risk missing the opportunity to enjoy it again. The dish was a wonderful mixture of textures, melted and soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. As with most crepe/pancake/tortilla type dishes, you always get the first few mouthfuls lacking any filling – like when you bite into a fajita you don’t reach the chicken and peppers until the second mouthful. Wait, erase the thought of chicken fajitas from your mind… and, back to the salmon. Smoky, flavoursome, smoked salmon. Combined with the strength of the ginger mascapone it was a relationship of flavours I’d never experienced before, but it really worked. If you like the two ingredients separately there’s no doubt you wont enjoy them together.
I sampled some of the Cheese and Ham Omelette, a less adventurous dish than the Galette, not something I would have chosen myself as omelettes have never been my eggy port of call. It was nice. But perhaps a little boring? Having little omelette experience to compare it too my review has little meaning, but my friend enjoyed the first few bites but seemingly slowed down as she became full. After licking (not literally) my plate clean, I asked her whether she needed my help finishing it. Sampling my second bite is was now cold and a little soggy. I asked my friend to critique it properly, and she said she’d hoped it would be a little crispier and that instead of layering the filling she would have preferred it would be mixed into the omelette. Some useful feedback, no?
Personally my Aubrey’s Traditional Creperie experience was wonderful, perhaps unbeated for a Creperie experience in England. I’d love to visit again, this time to sample a sweet crepe.
Details
ADDRESS – 14-16 West End Arcade, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JP
CONTACT – Email meg@aubreystraditionalcreperie.com or Telephone 01159 470855
OPENING TIMES – Monday – Saturday, 10am to 6pm
WEBSITE – www.aubreystraditionalcreperie.com
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