It has returned with a new menu and cosy interior
I doubt anyone could resist this well-stocked cake counter(Image: Sofie Jackson – staff)
I was recently lucky enough to have a superb lunch at a café in east Hull that raises essential funds for Dove House Hospice. Previously called Dulcie’s, the café in Chamberlain Road was refurbished in February and is now known as The Kitchen by Dove House.
It has updated décor, with a light and relaxing colour scheme, and a new menu. I had visited the café more than a year before and, at the time, was a little underwhelmed.
Walking through the door, the vast improvements were immediately obvious. While it has always been a neat and clean-looking space, it was not particularly homely at my previous visit.
The warm colours from the wood definitely softened the atmosphere and the addition of potted greenery – even if artificial – was very nice. It did feel very much like being in a cosy living room.
Menus are split into brunch and lunch, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs catered for. I was a bit late for brunch, but I immediately eyeballed the wonderful-looking cakes on the counter and planned a light lunch with room for pudding.
We ended up ordering a cheese sandwich with salad, scampi and chips, a cappuccino, and a decaf latte. For dessert, I picked the homemade berry cheesecake (it looked irresistible) and the pistachio tiffin.
The hot drinks came quickly, and it was a nice touch that the server checked if we wanted a dusting of chocolate on the cappuccino. Little Lotus biscuits were served on the side, which is always a major plus.
My decaf latte had a mild flavour and a lovely amount of milky froth. It was not long before the main event arrived.
The chips that came with the scampi were homemade and I ended up stealing more than my fair share. They were proper chunky chips, golden on the outside and fluffy in the centre.
I also liked how they weren’t really greasy. I dipped them in the tartare sauce and was impressed with the flavour – a delicate balance creamy and tangy, without being too sharp.
My sandwich was good and the salad was clearly very fresh, with crisp, crunchy leaves. But, as you might expect, the best was yet to come.
The homemade berry cheesecake was utterly gorgeous. The cheese layer was somehow lighter than air and rich and creamy at the same time, and sweet without being sickly.
I loved how the tartness of the berries – each little ruby bursting with flavour – contrasted so perfectly with the sweet vanilla and biscuit flavours. Every bite was savoured.
Unfortunately, the pistachio tiffin was apparently too delicious for my greedy companion to share with me. I will just have to come back another time…
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