Liverpool Cathedral Refectory

A recent trip to the stunning Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool (for my university graduation, not worship) brought my parents and I to the Refectory café for a short stop before my graduation began.
Sat there in my hat and gown, I would normally have felt like somewhat of an idiot but fortunately the café was littered with graduands, as well as a few members of the clergy. Located inside the cathedral itself, the café looks out onto the grounds of the cathedral, with the leafy surroundings providing an excellent view as you have a coffee or cold drink.
The large windows offer excellent light into the café, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere (something I’m not used to when in places of worship if I’m honest) and the food itself was as good as the views the refectory offered, with a selection of sandwiches available as well as some delicious hot dishes. I decided to go for the meatballs (a homemade special that day) and was not disappointed as they gave me a generous portion of thick meatballs made from good quality meat. The prices were also very reasonable, not that you’d expect such places to be too extortionate, mind.
A place suitable for your lunch, dinner or (last) supper (couldn’t resist).

Now, I don’t want to stereotype. I don’t like putting people in boxes. But Liverpudlians are the nicest people in the world. I shall prove this to you. They help you out without being asked. On a bus when Mum and I were complaining we should have brought a spare plastic bag, a young lady nearby handed us two, saying, ‘Here y’are, I’ve got these if you need them.’ Strangers told us where to alight said bus as we were overheard talking about our visit to Lark Lane. The waitress we had in The Quarter was the chattiest, bubbliest and most helpful member of staff we’ve ever encountered, more of that in my Quarter review. And here we turned up at the Cathedral Refectory, five minutes before it was due to close, and we were welcomed in and told to take our time, there was no rush. ‘I recommend the prawn curry,’ said one of the staff with a friendly smile. ‘It’s amazing.’ No checking of watches, no huffing and puffing.
First, you’ve got to give this little café the credit it deserves. It is in BEAUTIFUL surroundings, as you’ll gain insight into in my Cathedral review. And it’s so down to earth. We ordered a prawn sandwich, a veggie and lentil soup with a crusty roll, then upon spotting some tasty looking wraps, we asked what was in them.
‘That’s a three-​bean Mexican wrap,’ said one of the girls there. ‘It’s a veggie one. Is it not on the board?‘
We glanced at the board, but the young lady was on a mission, shouting into the kitchen, ‘You haven’t put three-​bean wrap on the boooooard, have you?’ in an exasperated yet jovial tone. There were also quiches galore to choose from as well as that tempting looking curry, but we decided to split a three-​bean wrap. The girl said they’d make some up fresh. We thought we’d just be having the ones at the counter, but no siree! We were given a separate plate and told to help ourselves to the salad buffet, all of which was free of charge. Little did we know that when we took our soup, sandwich, salad and drinks over, it would be TWO three-​bean wraps greeting us in five minutes. Lordy lord!
The whole lot cost £12.60. Nope, your eyes aren’t deceiving you.
The soup was lush, it was a sunny day but with a nip in the air and this stodgy veggie stew was just what I needed. Mum’s sandwich was delicious too; the salad we’d made up had all sorts in it — pesto pasta, two kinds of coleslaw (one with red cabbage), beetroot, beans, the works. And as for the wrap? We split one, lovely and warm I might add, and the flavourings were tangy and delicious. But we didn’t want to waste the other one. Doggy-​bagging is a concept still making its way around the UK, so we’re always wary to ask.
We needn’t have been. Our extra wrap was popped in a proper plastic food container, like the kind they use in takeaways. The lady who’d recommended the prawn curry overheard my mother telling me I had my tea sorted then and said, ‘Would you like some salad to go with it?’ I said sure, if that’s okay, and couldn’t believe my luck. She piled another container high with the whole selection from the salad bar and brought it over saying, ‘Well, you can’t just have that for tea can you, you need some salad with it.‘
I needed to rub my eyes. These people were too good to be true!
Then followed a long conversation between my mother and the lady about their Liverpool histories. She’s called Michelle by the way, look out for her — she’s amazing. Anyway as it transpired, Michelle said, ‘Don’t worry if you think we’re about to close, it says 2pm but it’s lenient. Or if you’re far away and it’s getting close to 2, give us a ring and we can prepare some food for you to be ready for when you arrive.‘
I don’t think I really need to say any more than that. Great food. Even greater people. Hardly costs a thing. Gorgeous environment. PERFECT. There are few occasions when I want to give more than five stars. This is one of them.