So good I went back twice...

There is a once shabby and down at heal arcade called the West End Arcade in the centre of Nottingham which appears to be undergoing an upgrade in style of late. Passing by the other week I couldn’t help observing the appearance of a chic new crêperie establishment called Aubrey’s traditional crêperie. It has been open and doing very good business since September 2009.

I called in for a savoury galette on Friday and it was so nice that I left my calling card with Meg the owner and popped in again early this morning for a late breakfast crêpe. Her venue is tiny but packs in an enormous amount of under stated French style charm. As I was settling down for pre-crêpe coffee a group of five people arrived and we created a space for them by moving two tables and I moved over to the wall table under the quirky mirror and white wall tiles.

My previous days’ galette was a sumptuously warm and unctuously creamy Camembert galette complemented with sliced pear, honey, walnut and leaf although I must admit that I was also severely tempted to try the merguez sausage galette too. It promised to be cooked with Breton cider and served with a cracked egg, wholegrain mustard and caramelised onions. Both items were very reasonably priced and under £5 each.

Meg also advertises that the galettes are naturally gluten and wheat free and made to a traditional Breton recipe. After I had finished today I had a quick chat with her and got the impression that she would return to her training ground in Brittany tomorrow such is her passion for this style of cooking. She also told me that she likes to get her ingredients from authentic sources and keeps a business connection with the critically acclaimed deli, Delilah, in Nottingham from whom she purchases her cheeses as she can be secure in their provenance.

The crêpe that I had for my breakfast there today was delicious and the honey and blueberries and raspberries married extremely well with the fluffy white ricotta cheese filling. A mixed fruity sweetness offsetting the slightly tart flavour of the ricotta cheese filling. Very satisfying.

The crêpes at Aubrey’s can be made with using a dairy free batter on request and the ingredients are locally sourced utilising organic produce.

Overall, a very friendly and authentic experience. I’ll be back. Again.

PS: The West End Arcade is opposite the Library on Angel Row, Nottingham.

PPS: Aubrey's opening times are 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday.