I can't make up my mind about the Parade. On the one hand, it has a clean, modern interior, the "freshest" menu in Alford, and plenty of highchairs (all will become clear...). On the other, you can see right into the kitchen and storage area, the owner/manager rarely has so much as a smile (and can be direct to the point of rudeness), and I was once served a piece of mouldy lemon cake there (once I pointed it out I was quickly brought a replacement, but there was no apology). Anyway, we ended up in the Parade for lunch because the Bistro only has two highchairs, both of which were occupied! My husband and I both had the soup and half sandwich deal; sweet potato and wholegrain mustard soup (a lovely combination I'm going to try at home), a prawn marie rose sandwich for me (it was unusually sweet), and brie and cranberry for him. They were served with a nice side salad drenched in a honey and mustard dressing, and a small handful of plain taco-style crisps. We finished with a pot of tea, a latte, a slice of sultana loaf (served with a pat of butter), and a piece of apple and cinnamon cake (a little bit dry, and not nearly enough apple). All in all a pleasant visit - I had change from £20, and I didn't eat nearly as much as I would've had the Bistro been able to accomodate us!
http://www.paradehome.co.uk/stores.php
Visited 12pm Saturday 11 June 2011
