Can you have it all? 

 

Is it possible to maintain a home, raise the children, cook dinners, manage the electricity consumption of the teenager, return to full-time work after maternity leave AND carry on brunching? 

 

Turns out it (kind of) is... as long as you can cope with a few tumbleweeds on the wooden flooring and a thick layer of dust on the cookbooks. 

 

We've both returned to work now, the babies are flying the nest - well, at least one of them is enrolled at nursery. But we're forcing ourselves to carry on brunching, after all, it's what the people want. 

 

So here are our top three for October. 

 

First up, Apple Tree Gift Shop and Teahouse. We've been big fans for a few years now. It's a delightful little 'Tea house' (sounds a lot posher than 'cafe' doesn't it?) with a fab gift shop attached. The teahouse behind the gift shop is small, you're barely able to swing your teapot, never mind a cat, but it's very pretty and describes itself as 'quintessentially cosy' so it's always a good idea to book if you want to sit here. 

 

 

However, recent renovations have provided much more space in the barns outside and they are looking absolutely beautiful. With the provision of fairy lights, blankets and the odd hot water bottle if needed, we were more than happy to sit ourselves out there. 

 

We ordered the 'No Bread Breakfast' which consisted of avocado, poached egg, sausage, bacon, slow roasted tomatoes and steamed spinach. Tubs and I absolutely loved our breakfast. It was a nice take on the typical full English and we felt a bit healthier pretending we were being good by eating avocado and spinach. It really was excellent. To drink we had pumpkin-spiced lattes, because let's face it - at this time of year what self-respecting brunching wannabe doesn't make the most of pumpkin spiced lattes? Apple Tree has a big selection of milkshakes and flavoured coffees though so do spread your wings if you fancy it! 

 

 

Next up - Bear! There's two Bears in town, both equally as good for different reasons. The one in Intu / Derbion / Fancy Eagle Centre is great for a nice place to relax when shopping. The one on Irongate is lovely to visit when you're in the Cathedral Quarter for a quick brunch or coffee and cake (OK OK, we've been known to also add in a cocktail to the 'quick brunch'. Sshhh don't judge). 

 

 

We popped in one Sunday brunch for some Turkish eggs. Poached eggs, greek yoghurt, chilli butter, pickles and herbs served with toasted sourdough - what's not to love? They're always incredibly tasty and very well done at Bear. You won't find a snotty white here. We've always found them to be incredibly accommodating of the babies too. Lots of clean highchairs, a baby change and no judgement if they repeatedly throw a book on the floor. 

 

And lastly (but definitely not least) Dreams Bistro. They've been open a for a few months now and their social media posts always make us salivate, so we decided to pop back to Dreams to try out their breakfasts with Tiny Tubs and the Teen. We had the Brioche French Toast served with lemon cream and strawberries. Tubs had stolen a strawberry from the plate before it was even put down. Like a hawk swooping in for a mouse. That boy has got skills. 

 

 

Dreams Bistro is a nice alternative to the usual places in town and we've always enjoyed our visits. They've recently launched an autumn afternoon menu that looks absolutely delicious. Featuring sandwiches such as toasted butternut squash, smoked cheddar and apple chutney, it's delightfully different to your usual afternoon tea and we commend them for thinking beyond the afternoon tea box! We'll let you know if we manage to finish the hoovering and get time to go and try it.

 

So there are your three for this month. If you have any suggestions for places to go please drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram. And if you visit any of our recommendations let us know what you think! We really value your feedback.

Kristen and Bek

Babies Who Brunch

@babieswhobrunch

@babieswhobrunchderby