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Dawn's Diner left me feeling box fresh
IF IT fits in a box, you can take it away – that's the promise made by Dawn's Diner.
And this is a diner that represents many ideas and approaches that are all too often missing from the big chain cafes that have swallowed up most of our high streets.
Within the four walls of this small hideaway cafe breathes a world of personal touches and frank honesty that every catering establishment could learn a little something from.
There is none of this semi-half fat, skinny frappucino nonsense and posh and pretentious toasted sandwiches.
Coffee is not translated into some pseudo Italian gobbledegook, and is instead described as ‘milky’ or ‘frothy’.
A handwritten note on the wall informs customers that in several weeks’ time, the prices will have to go up.
Just like everyone else, the economic downturn is having an effect, but they’re letting customers know – rather than just giving them less change for their bacon roll one morning.
The lady serving was friendly, but not overbearingly so, and told me that it would take five minutes to prepare my breakfast.
As I waited I noted there was a notice board with jobs advertised, as well as a pile of leaflets about events in the local area.
If you have time to eat your food on a plate, there is the in-house option where those who have not yet been converted to boxed-food can eat.
The interior is a selection of small tables, surrounded by an eclectic variety of chairs, complete with different colour seat covers.
On the window sill, there is a gnome and a cat-shaped teapot. Photos of Sheffield’s Peace Garden and the Chesterfield Canal adorn the walls.
You could imagine it being the living room of a slightly eccentric great aunt, and though perhaps a little out-dated, it certainly achieves a relaxed and homely feel.
There was no-one else in the cafe during the 10 minutes I was there, but I hope for Dawn’s sake that the earlier morning sees a steady line of hungry folk spilling in and out of the door.
When I asked for a receipt, I was handed a hand-written record of my well-spent 3.60 on a green post-it note.
The polystyrene carton that housed my two sausages, generous serving of bacon, egg and beans was very effective at keeping them warm.
I achieved my aim of chauffeuring the carton back from Retford to my Guardian office desk, where I enjoyed tucking in within ogling distance of my fellow reporters.
Along with my fry-up, I had a slice of toast and a coffee. There was nothing outstanding about the food, but I can’t help thinking that Jamie Oliver might have had more widespread success with his pass-it-on campaign if he had adhered more to the Dawn’s Diner approach.
And besides, passing something on that fits in a box seems much more practical than gourmet dishes.
In short, if you are passing through Retford and need a hearty injection of food, why not call by at Cobwell Road, and see what you can fit in a box.
by Jen Foster
Star rating HHHH
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Weather for Worksop
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
