Mada Deli

It’s a hot day and life on each side of this stretch of the River Thames is thriving under the sun, with tourists lapping up the scenery and locals taking their time to enjoy a lazy Sunday.
In sight of the bridge that crosses the river into Molesey Riverside is Mada Deli, a busy, relaxed venue with indoor and outdoor seating to house all sorts of people, from families to couples, from solitary book readers to businessmen entertaining work colleagues. There’s also a healthy queue for the to-​go crowd, and a small ice cream bar for hungry kids.
We ordered mozzarella panini and sausage butties, with fresh juice (they use proper juicers here) and a bit of cake for afters.
The food is good and the service is friendly. You can taste the flavours of Italy in every bite, and wash it down with tangy orange juice or ginger-​infused apple juice with cucumber. The coffee menu looked enticing, but this wasn’t a day for anything other than escaping the sunshine for an hour and enjoying some good food with good company.
The cake? Well, I always enjoy cake, even when it’s a little bit dry. It sets me up for at least another few hours of chasing parakeets along the leafy banks.

When Mada Deli first opened up, the locals wandered whether we needed another coffee shop; we already had plenty in our little road. Everyone was soon reassured when Mada carved out a niche for itself and quickly became the newest hotspot. What makes Mada Deli stand out is its delicatesson, a large well stocked and reasonably priced room packed with European produce. The ethos here is foods with a traditional feel. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats, you can find freshly packaged meals to take away. (I have a soft spot for the Pie Minster Organic Pies, such as Mr Porky Pie, filled with free range pork, onion, apples, Somerset cider and sage). There are plenty of vegetarian treats as well. Pick up a bottle of organic Chianti to go with the organic Italian wholewheat chestnut or rye pasta, get a jar of their homemade pesto — bursting with garlic and basil, and treat yourself to a little square of pecorino and you have an restuarant quality meal. (And far less expensive)
Look out for the Italian dips which go with the cheese and crackers too. I couldn’t decided between the fig, damson, quince or gooseberry. If you preferred something sweet, ask for the honey which is made just 200 yards away from the shop. There is also a self serve deli as well, and an ever changing board of specials. I love to get one of the fresh smoothies or juices (my top pic –either the apple carrot and ginger or blueberry, raspberry and banana) and sit down at the long refrectory table and watch the world go by. Heaven!