Review: "Brew and Brownie" (York)

Today's weather was miserable to say the least, so it was lucky that I had the prospect of my breakfast in York to put a little spring into my step when I woke up this morning. A friend suggested brunch at "Brew and Brownie" in York I was quick to reply "HECK YEAH". Days when you have a special hearty breakfast seem brighter and more fun somehow, and so today was a good day.

I chose a bircher muesli. The oats were soaked overnight in apple juice and then mixed with a crunch granola, greek yoghurt, dried fruits and nuts, and a berry jam. A little bottle of apple juice was served on the side to loosen it up a little because overnight oats can be stodgy. The texture was just right and the apple juice had just the right amount of sweetness without the cloyingly sweet taste of sugary juices. The atmosphere was relaxed and with a modern rustic feel that is so popular nowadays. I've been before and tried the Yorkshire sharing platter with a friend and I've been raving about B&B ever since.  After about eating half we were utterly defeated, meaning that I was left with a leaky paper bag with our leftover pork pie for around for 3 hours. Until the smell started to earn me odd looks from shoppers and I had to throw it away. It was so sad.

The platter was just too huge for two people, there was salad, slices of ham, beef, freshly baked bread, a selection of cheese, condiments and the pie which proved the biggest challenge out of all of them. I think we would have been better of ordering the small platter (I use the word "small" very loosely here, judging from when I saw it being served to the neighbouring couple) My friend and I both have pretty sizeable appetites and yet we were waddling out the cafe once we were through. This dish was a beautiful thing, but was also a food quest that is not for the faint-hearted.

I know it's a bit strange going out for breakfast when I have perfectly crunchy granola in the comforts of my own kitchen, but then again you could say the same for going for coffee or buying sandwiches. There is something really intimate and fun about sharing your breakfast with friends and having strange breakfast-ey chats. It might even convert some 8am zombies into morning people. And if the morning conversation doesn't convert you, than maybe the sky high pancake stacks will...