Plaza Café Restaurant, Stockport Review
Plaza Café Restaurant
Stockport
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Yesterday we stepped back in time to 1932 to sample the delights on offer at Plaza Café Restaurant. Situated above the newly restored Plaza Cinema/Theatre we found the building easily. Being in city centre of Stockport there was no shortage of parking spaces. I have visited The Plaza before for a show so knew the location but wasn’t sure exactly where the cafe was, a very pleasant doorman pointed us in the right direction and we were greeted as we entered by a lovely man who showed us to our table and explained the day’s specials.
All the staff are dressed traditionally as tea room staff, it is a lovely touch and really does add to the atmosphere and feel of the place. From the background music (which I felt was a little too quiet) to the wicker chairs and tables and beautiful ceiling and walls the whole experience oozes art deco. No attention to detail has been spared and when the waiter came to clear the table next to us he even had the old fashioned brush to dust the table cloth – marvellous!
Opening from 10.30 – 4.00 (5.30 Fri and Sat) there is a Breakfast, Daytime and Afternoon Tea menu all reasonably priced. As it was lunchtime I opted for the steak and ale pie (£7.50) which was on the specials menu, it was served with red cabbage a slice of bread and a salad. Although the salad came on the plate it was in a separate bowl which was a good thing as I don’t feel I could eat salad with the gravy from the pie running into it. My mum suggested I eat it first but then my pie would of gone cold so I put it one side and left it. I did notice the gentleman on the next table do the same with his so maybe a vegetable would complement the dish better? The pie was delicious, full of huge chunks of tender beef and with just enough of a hint of ale and a perfect pastry, my only negative would be it could of done with being hotter, having said that I enjoyed it very much. The bread came with no butter but when I asked the helpful waitress for some she promptly brought it. The red cabbage was I think homemade, it had a lovely crunch and wasn’t too tangy.
My mum opted for the Plaza Afternoon Tea (£15.50) a selection of sandwiches, a sultana scone with strawberry preserve and Devonshire cream and a cake selection are served on three tier cake stand with your choice of tea which comes in a tea pot big enough for at least two cups. Presentation was good and everything tasted yummy. The only thing I would say is that the waitress didn’t tell us what the cakes were, you can find out what is in the sandwiches in the menu but not the cakes. I tried the cream cheese and cucumber sandwich and my mum had the smoked salmon, ham and egg mayonnaise ones. We shared the scone – again no complaints, it would have put my granny’s to shame and there was a generous amount of clotted cream and jam. I am not a big lover of cakes but my mum assured me everything was delicious.
I had a coke with my meal, it came in an old fashioned bottle and my mum had the Plaza Blend tea which she assured me was perfect.
We finished off with a hot chocolate each. These were divine, overflowing with cream and marshmallows. I was in heaven .There goes my diet (again!)
Overall this is great place to stop off for a quick drink or a leisurely lunch. Staffed by I think mainly volunteers they do a fabulous job and make you feel very welcome.
This quaint little gem is a must visit if you are in Stockport, I will be back to sample more of their delights and to soak up the vintage atmosphere.
Rating: 4.5/5
For more information, to view menus or to make a reservation visit:
www.stockportplaza.co.uk/about-the-plaza/cafe-lounge.
The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP | 0161 480 3818
