A visit to Ronde has been long overdue, but my unfailing sense of poor timing has been against me, on a number of occasions. Also, given that it’s part bike shop, part cafe, the fact that I can’t (or more accurately have never tried to) ride a bike, put up another psychological barrier to crossing their threshold.
Exterior
Today was a cycling double, as I made my first visit to nearby Gamma, too, where I really enjoyed their house espresso blend from Mr Eion, a new roastery that has opened just over the road from them, in Dean Park Street. Ronde serve a mean espresso, too, with rather good Steampunk their bean of choice.
The cafe is a lovely space, with beautiful tiles on the wall and particularly elegant cornicing. Seating comprises one long bench table, a lovely comfy couch, and a few seats at little formica-topped tables. It’s just lovely and one of the smartest cafe spaces in the city.
Interior
In food terms, they keep things very focussed with soups from Union of Genius served with bread from Dough Re Mi representing their entire savoury selection. They have good looking cakes and pastries for those of the sweet-toothed persuasion.
Today’s soupy choices were goulash or Thai pepper. I opted for the former, which was served with two generous slices of delicious bread. It proved to be an absolute treat. It was blowing a gale and raining horizontally, outside, so this wonderfully hearty soup fit requirements quite perfectly.
Soup
So overall, I was very impressed with Ronde. Service was friendly and prompt, throughout, and the items they had on offer were all of a very high quality. I’d strongly recommend that you visit, soon, as I’m confident you’ll enjoy your visit as much as I did.
Scores
Blythe scores the
4.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16.5/20
I ate: goulash soup
I drank: espresso, water
I wore: denim trousers
Total bill: £5.50
