I had a tip from a long-time reader that the previously rather lacklustre (both Cake Quest and I delivered lukewarm verdicts) Richmond Cafe Bistro had changed hands and transformed into something quite spectacular. I toddled up the road to investigate.

The look of the place is much the same, but it has been stripped back slightly and feels much more roomy. The outdoor seats, a great spot on warmer days, were reaching the end of their utility for the year when I visited.

Previously, the place was neither one thing nor another, with a confused and confusing menu. It’s now firmly a Greek cafe, with an atmosphere that is entirely transformed. It now feels like an integral hub for the Greek community with the place abuzz with friendly chatter between staff and patrons.

I took a seat, asked what the soup was, spotted some spanakopita, and that was pretty much all she wrote for the ordering process.

My bean soup and heated spinach and feta pie were soon with me. The soup was a deliciously hearty offering packed with tasty savoury goodness. It pleased me very much.

The spanakopita was made to a very impressive standard, also, with elegant layers of filo topping a spinach and cheese mix that was full of aromatic dill. It was another winning dish.

So overall, it’s great to see this place changed for entirely dreary to exuberantly delightful. The welcome is quite wonderful, the food likely to warm your soul, and the atmosphere likely to brighten even the darkest day. I’d strongly recommend a visit.

Scores
Blythe scores the Richmond Cafe Bistro
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

I ate: bean soup; spanakopita

I drank: water

I wore: blue

Total bill: £6.50