Piccolo is small but perfectly formed

Piccolo Espresso Bar is in a prime spot at the top of Worksop town centre right opposite the new cinema.

Myself and a colleague wandered up one lunchtime to see what treats they had on offer. I had heard a rumour that the cafe just serves coffee and cake which seemed strange to me, but we decided to give it a go.

We were pleased to find a modern little coffee shop with pine style furniture, high window seats, a couple of tables, and some low level sofas towards the back of the shop.

Piccolo’s is a clean and stylish little coffee shop, unlike any other I have visited in Worksop. On the counter on full display were an array of cakes all made on the premises. The large lemon cake caught my eye but also available were fruit scones, chocolate cake, and a very tempting carrot cake. For just £1.90 a slice it would have been madness not to have a taste.

First things first though, I ordered a round of buttered toast on brown for £1.20.

We opted for a high window seat so we could watch the world go by while we enjoyed our lunch.

The toast was brought to us at our table with butter on the side as requested. It was thick cut, hot, good quality, brown bread - just the ticket on a cold Monday lunchtime in January.

My dinning partner also plumped for a hot chocolate (£2.05) and commented it was one of the smoothest she has ever tasted.

The drink came in a cup and saucer, not one of those dreadful tall glasses with a metal handle that coffee chains sometimes serve drinks in.

After a round of toast I nipped back up to the counter to order the cake, one slice of lemon for me (£1.90) and a slice of date and walnut cake (£1.60) for my partner.

The cake came to the table swiftly and was more of a doorstop than a slice.

The owner told us they also sell it by the half slice (for £1.20) because of the size, but luckily I didn’t spot this before I ordered.

And it was the best lemon cakes I have ever tasted- by a country mile. Despite its height and width the cake was moist, and fresh with a delicious layer of icing top and centre.

I was told the date and walnut cake was also ‘divine, with a hint of ginger’.

I shall definitely be returning for more, particularly for a quick pit stop before watching a flick at the new cinema when it opens.

Although Piccolo’s is not a place to visit for a big lunch their menu is small but perfectly formed and well executed.

This coffee shop is great little asset for Worksop and I look forward to my return visit.

by Debbie Sansom

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