Darnleys Haslemere

Darnleys Haslemere

Yearning for different, for unique and off the wall, Haslemere had me muttering and grumbling. This despite being different.

I arrived early by train for my appointment and wandered into town to find what was on offer as a full English breakfast in Haslemere. My first choice was a busy cafe and I suppose it had a lot to do with the name of the establishment. But it was not to be. Coffee, cake and pancakes. No fried eggs, bacon and two slices of toast to be found anywhere on the extensive menu.

Yes, there was a choice of a few Breakfast Baps in deference the traditionalists. But hardly what one has come to expect from an English Breakfast.

Different. But not the different I was looking for.

I politely ordered a (large) coffee and a slice of cake after which I retraced my steps looking for a small cafe which I spotted on my way in. However that too was thoroughly modern and disappointing. Modelled no doubt on the successful coffee chains where everything is convenience, microwaves and busy, busy.

I then tried an Italian deli in desperation. Only as to be expected, to be offered brunch. Which looked very much like pasta and more pasta. At this stage I started to panic. But all it took was a few more duds to find what I was looking for.

What is apparently the only traditional full English breakfast menu to be had in this part of Haselmere. Making it different. More like what I was looking for . But not quite I originally had in mind.

I stretched out my legs, opened my newspaper and relaxed after some anxious moments.

Darnleys is a small, friendly and unpretentious cafe on the High St in Haselmere. The only one I wouldbother eating at besides the the Italian Brunch I would like to try.