Waffles Cafe

A very special place, with many memories for many people, created by Pat and Virginia La Charite.

62-64 Fitzroy Street: 1973-1981

At the corner of Gold Street and Fitzroy Street. Pat restored a Victorian shop with period fittings and furniture, in spite of the threat of demolition within a couple of years.

An ad from 1976.

[Ink drawing]Ink drawing by J. Chapman 1979.

Gavin Stamp designed and painted the lettering on the shopfront, as well as being responsible for the printed artwork - Gavin's pictures and artwork.

The shop front was moved to Chilford Hall (near Linton). For some years it was indoors in the Small Hall but as of 2001 it was in the open as the "Vineleaf" café shop - Chilford Hall, although sadly repainted to their needs.

Thanks to Jón Fairbairn for spotting the pic on their website! See also Waffles Cafe - pictures by Jón Fairbairn.

Castle Hill: 1982-1990?

Subsequently the Star of India restaurant. Pat decorated an internal pillar with corner pieces in the style of the carved mermaids on sailing ships' prows, which he'd rescued from the demolition of The Ship in the Petty Cury area.

Upstairs Middle-Eastern restaurant was upstairs (opened about July 1983).

Menu

[What I've remembered so far]
Savouries
Sunday (& May Ball breakfast) Special: eggs & bacon
Bolognese
Chicken creole
Spanish sauce
Ham, cheese & mushroom
Asparagus & curried eggs
Ratatouille (a "Rat")
Sweets
The Standard: Chantilly cream + maple syrup
Strawberries
Mandarins
Blackcurrant
Gooseberry
Pineapple
Grapes
Drinks
Calpis (lychee juice, specially imported from Japan)
Buttermilk
Red or white grape juice (slightly sparkling)
Pineapple juice
Apple juice
Orange juice
Coffee
Tea
Calvados (Castle Hill only, as the premises were licenced)


The Whim, Potter Products, The Kite, Cambridge : History