It’s berry nice that you’ve decided to read our review of one of York’s newest cafe, Plush. You really are the zest! A pun-packed menu is just one of the quirky aspects of this family-run venture, nestled in a cosy, higgledly-piggledy building in the heart of York on Stonegate. There are three themed dining rooms that reveal themselves as you move through the building: the funky Neon Room, the cosy, Moroccan-inspired Bohemian Room and the flower-decked Garden Room. Carefully designed to delight and surprise, and each one has a different vibe to match any mood.
With two excitable girls in tow, there was one room that I knew would appeal above all others: the Garden Room. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, with faux foliage and flowers covering every inch of wall, and – the stars of the show – swings hanging from the ceiling! Yes, actual swings that you can sit on while you enjoy your meal. The girls couldn’t believe their eyes (or their luck), although I was relieved to see that the swings have been designed to just allow a gentle rock. We took a table at the window which gave us a great view of Stonegate shoppers scuttling about under their umbrellas.
In contrast to the rain outside, the menu at Plush is pure sunshine. The all-day brunch menu contains such delights as the ‘I Like You Berry Much Granola Bowl’, ‘Pancake My Eyes Off You Breakfast Pancakes’ and ‘Meat is the Wurst Breakfast Sandwich’. There are vegetarian and vegan options galore, and gluten-free choices too. We chose to eat from the Luxurious Lunch menu – a ‘Say Cheese’ three cheese toastie for me and, predictably, unicorn toast for the unicorn-obsessed girls. To drink, the girls opted for a berry smoothie each, which they declared to be ‘SO GOOD’. Not wanting to be labeled a boring old grown-up (again), my enthusiastic little dining companions talked me into ordering a pink pixie superfood latte with edible flowers. I had no idea what to expect but it was so good: warm, comforting, not too sweet and pretty as a picture.
I’m always grateful for a short wait when I’m eating with my children, whose approach to eating out seems to be ‘I don’t have time for this’ (I’m not quite sure what they would rather be doing, but hey). Thankfully the staff at Plush are on it: swift service and a cheerful demeanor were on the menu when we visited. The people on the table next to us had a little baby (high chair provided – top marks from us), there was a group of students hanging out on the one opposite and a couple were enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the corner – there doesn’t seem to be a typical Plush customer.
The girls were absolutely delighted with their unicorn toast, especially when they discovered the illicit popping candy hiding in the icing. Zero nutrition points perhaps, but ten out of ten for experiencing something that they won’t forget in a hurry, and we’re all for making memories. Anyway, there was plenty of fruit in that smoothie…No complaints about the grilled cheese either: thick-cut malted bloomer, generously filled with oozing cheese and homemade pesto, served with a little salad and some crisps. What’s not to like?
We loved everything about Plush, from the quirky rooms to the witty menu and the friendly welcome. It’s a little bit of unexpected, unadulterated joy in the heart of York, and the fact it’s independent and family-run is a bonus too. The girls have already told me that we have to go back, and next time we’re trying the Bohemian Room. Who am I to argue?
