The recently opened Revival Coffee Co. in Arnold has already gained a reputation for its delicious brunch menu and drinks including refreshingly cold frappés. After a makeover the cafe opened in a former branch of Santander bank, which shut up shop last August.
Since arriving in Front Street 11 weeks ago business has been brisk for owner Kate Norton, who used to teach English for a living. She took a gamble and followed her heart to open a coffee shop.
But the mum-of-two isn't content with serving big breakfasts, pancakes, bagels and cakes throughout the day. Two nights a week the cafe turns into El Banco tapas bar with small plates of Spanish-inspired dishes.
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Kate runs front-of-house, while chef Leo Giovazzini takes charge in the kitchen. He's no stranger to that style of cuisine, having previously worked at Nottingham city centre tapas restaurant ViDa by Lorentes.
As soon as it gets to 6pm on Friday and Saturday the sangria starts to flow and El Banco comes alive. Kate said: "We have an Italian chef who cooks very good Spanish food.
"I thought about opening in Beeston and Sherwood but chose Arnold as there's nowhere here doing anything remotely similar. We thought we'd try it, give it a few weeks and see what happens."
While the cafe is busy during the day, word has yet to spread about the newly launched tapas evenings at 'Costa del Front Street' - according to the A board outside.
Kate, who describes herself as having a love for coffee and good food, has a passion for decent gluten-free and vegan options, which shines through in the menu both during the day and at night.
Lunchtime specials include chicken schnitzel ciabatta, wild mushroom pie, cauliflower cheese and Parma ham and mozzarella ciabatta, most of which can be adapted to make vegan or gluten-free.
The tapas menu features Spanish-style chorizo sautéed in cider, crispy squid rings, king prawns in garlic, chilli and white wine, and patatas bravas aka spicy potatoes.
Meat eaters can partake in croquetas with Serrano ham and crispy chicken thighs. Empanadillas come stuffed with pulled beef or Leo's homemade seitan to make them vegan. Huevos Rotos' chorizo, black pudding and fried egg is accompanied by spicy vegan 'nduja, so good it's hard to tell the difference. Again, a number of dishes can be made vegan or gluten-free with slight tweaks.
Pan asado, bread with garlic and tomato, has a Notts twist, made with sourdough from the artisan Welbeck Bakery in the north of the county. Having acquired an alcohol licence diners can accompany their food with a glass or bottle of wine, beer, cider or a jug of traditional fruity red wine drink sangria.
Kate sad: "There's nothing comparable in Arnold or Mapperley. We make a huge effort to cater for everyone. I think Arnold needs that. "I want to make it comfortable and inclusive.
I'm liking the fact we're getting a really nice mixture. Older people who are regulars, mums and families, grandparents bringing kids out for treats and teenagers who like the frappés after school. It's quite a diverse group of people. Dogs are welcome too," added Kate, who can't resist snapping four-legged visitors and posting the photos on the cafe's Instagram page.
The cafe opens at 9am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and the El Banco from 6pm Friday and Saturday.
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