The Swell Cafe Bar and Cinema reviewed. The Unofficial Guide investigates and tells you more...
We ate our lunch outside at the Swell Cafe-Bar...
It was a sunny day in early March, and we ate outside on the terrace, in the sunshine, enjoying a wonderful sea view.
Swell is a contemporary style Cafe Bar, in a converted chapel, in the old village of Robin Hoods Bay.
As well as food, Swell houses:
a cinema
a gift shop
an art gallery
Swell Cafe Bar
Swell Cafe Bar is a smart, modern eating area, with simple tables and chairs, surrounded by a gallery of beautiful artwork on the walls.
At the date of our visit, the paintings were fun and colourful seaside scenes by Yorkshire artist Tracy Savage.
There are also 2 outdoor eating areas:
picnic benches out the front of the building, with views down into the village
tables and chairs on a sea-view terrace.
We ate on the sea view terrace - a lovely sun-trap - we were lovely and warm, even though it was only early March!
One of the big attractions for me was that gluten free bread and cakes are available. I had a lovely, light, gluten-free sandwich with chicken, brie and cranberry.
Me enjoying sunshine and a seaview with my sandwich :o)
Ian had a tasty panini. Both were served with lovely, fresh herb salad. Both were very tasty.
The menu also includes:
Soup
Sandwiches
Salads
Paninis
Cakes, scones and pastries
Breakfasts (till noon)
Food aims to be fairtrade, organic and locally sourced
Served till 3pm
Drinks
A great selection of hot and cold drinks - avoiding artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Swell Cinema
Swell is also the venue for a unique cinema theatre - using the 1820's wooden pews from the original chapel.
Swell cinema nights show popular and arty films. It is also the venue for live music and comedy and other entertainment performances.
Cinema nights (and matinees) happen throughout the year, but twice a week in school holiday times. Some cinema nights also include supper.
Swell Gift Shop
Don't forget to also pop into the on-site gift shop for local arts, crafts, gifts and souvenirs.
You can also get married or hold a conference here (the venue - not the gift shop)!
We really enjoyed our lunch here - an ideal location in the village - great seaviews in a real suntrap, and the gluten free food availability was a real bonus!
I'm sure we'll return! (UPDATE: We did - July 2010 - and ate outside on the terrace again - just as good! :-) !!)
Find Swell on Chapel Street in the old village of Robin Hoods Bay...
Visit the official Swell website for more details, directions, opening times, show times etc, or call: 01947 880180
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