Part social enterprise, part arts space, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall has been home to some exciting projects in recent times, with a packed programme of events throughout the year. Rather shamefully I’d never previously visited so was delighted to rectify that today.

As a former military drill hall, the exterior is imposing and the inside has something of the feel of a school gymnasium about it, but the overall sense is of a wonderfully airy space that’s adaptable for many purposes.

Their café is in the canteen style. You order at the counter then can take a seat either at a table or on a comfy sofa. I opted for the former after ordering a large bowl of homemade soup from a range of three options.

Served with delicious Manna House bread, the soup was very good with impressive depth of flavour and rustic charm. It reminded me of the vegetable soup I’d eaten at Le Marche Francais many moons ago.

My only gripe was that it was described as courgette, pea and mint, which I had in mind would be a light and aromatically herby soup. This was more in the realm of a hearty winter vegetable broth, but it was still very tasty and a rose by any other name…

So overall, I was impressed with the Drill Hall Café. It served me a warming soup in refreshingly bright surroundings. Service was attentive throughout. I’d be happy to return for another visit and would recommend you do so, too.

Scores
Blythe scores the Drill Hall Café
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

I ate: courgette, pea and mint soup

I drank: water

I wore: black and pink

Total bill: £4