I don't really drink too much coffee, so a cafe called
French Press Coffee Company might seem a strange place to pick for a Saturday lunch with Josie and Lori.

The sandwich board outside French Press Coffee Company
However, I found myself drawn in by an advert in the window for porridge and stew, part of their new warming menu for winter. Once inside, the friendly staff engaged my children in the preparation of the porridge. Did they want honey or jam in it? Did they want berries or bananas? Did they want the berries cooked in the porridge, or on the side?

Porridge at French Press Coffee Company
Both went for honey, but one went for fruit cooked into the porridge, and one wanted it on the side. Both were delicious. I would recommend having your fruit cooked through the porridge as it creates a lovely jammy effect, which is healthier than real jam. Lori, who went for it on the side, spent the whole time asking me to "make it like Josie's jam".
I picked a Scottish Ploughman's lunch, which was a generous spread of locally-sourced cheeses and meats. My favourite from the selection was the venison salami, off-set by sharp piccalilli. Also popular (especially with the girls who pinched them!) were some rough, hand-shaped oatcakes from a local artisan producer.

Ploughman's lunch at the French Press Coffee Company
As I looked round the interior of French Press I was struck by the care that had been taken over the design of the cafe. Deep dove-grey panelled walls are complemented by vintage French posters, and the tables similarly decorated with blown-up prints of the posters.

Vintage French posters
French Press Coffee Company combines a beautifully designed cafe, with an excellent menu, and friendly owners who are knowledgeable about the fresh, local produce that they serve.
I'm going back for more porridge very soon. And as it's so close to my office, I suspect there might be a few orders from friends at work as well.