Old Sarum Flying Club

Over the weekend we went for a lovely walk over to Old Sarum Flying Club. I estimate the walk is about 2 miles there and 2 miles back from Laverstock. We only have to cross one main road and the rest of the way is all along public byways through the countryside.
On a Sunday there are plenty of aircraft landing and taking off, and if the weather is clear you can see some great countryside, across to the Laverstock Downs.
The cafe is very spacious with easy access for push chairs. There are plenty of tables inside and outside. I prefer sitting outside as you are really close to the planes.
The menu ranges from main courses, sandwiches both hot and cold, snacks and cakes, everything is homemade. I have sampled a tuna baguette, caramel apple pie, rice crispy cake and Maltesers cake. Not in one visit, I have been to the cafe a number of times.
Oh I forgot to mention, they do have a licensed bar! Perfect for a Sunday beer in the sunshine.
The staff are very friendly, although sometimes very stressed due to the volume of customers. But they will still warm baby food and bring it out to you if you are sat outside.
High chairs are available and you can take them outside. There isn't a designated baby changing area which does let this cafe down in my scoring. But how many babies actually go flying?


Overall I give Old Sarum Flying Club 3* out of a possible 5

Access: Access in and around the cafe is reasonable.
Welcome: You are made welcome and the staff will help you if you ask.
Cleanliness: There are no baby changing facilities. The cafe is reasonably clean, but the tables are left uncleared for a while during busy times.
High Chairs: Again the high chairs are the large plastic ones, but they are clean and do the job.
Coffee & Cake: I can't comment on the coffee, the cakes are very good especially the maltesers cake, and the beer is very refreshing.

Salisbury Cathedral Restaurant

Today Henry and I met up with a few friends at Salisbury Cathedral for lunch. You always get the sense of space when you arrive at the Cathedral - it's a wonderful building. We made our way to the restaurant at about 11.30, the place was already bustling with tourists, locals and other mums with babies and small children.

With ease we found a table large enough to accommodate 3 adults, 3 babies and 3 over sized push chairs. We felt very comfortable re-arranging the furniture so we could all feel settled and not get in the way of other diners.

So far so good, we have easy access and we feel welcome.

We decided to feed the babies first. Getting the food warmed was not a problem they even used a microwave and did not even suggest to warm the food submersed in boiling water - we all know that this method is a complete waste of time. Babies happy, clean and settled we could now get our own lunch.

We could chose from a wide variety of freshly made sandwiches, home made soup, and a selection of main courses. The desserts looked great, cheesecakes, muffins and other delights all handmade were available. We did not have cake on this occasion but I'm sure we will be visiting the restaurant again. Today I opted for the homemade leek & potato soup, with a door stop of fresh crusty bread.

We chatted for almost 2 hours and not once did we feel unwelcome or rushed to leave. For those with older children I did notice a small child play/seating area.

The views inside the restaurant are stunning, it has a glass roof so you can see the Cathedral's architecture.


Overall I give Salisbury Cathedral 4 1/2* out of a possible 5*

Access: Access in and around the restaurant is very good.
Welcome: You are made welcome and the staff do ask if you need any help.
Cleanliness: Baby changing facilities are very clean and are very accessible.
High Chairs: I suggest replacing the high chairs from the over sized plastic ones with nice sleek wooden ones. They are easier to clean, stackable and take up less space when in use.
Coffee & Cake: Menu is good but a bit pricey.

I have created this site to help mums and dads identify where they can go to enjoy a coffee after the baby arrives.

Each coffee shop/cafe/restaurant will be marked on the following points.

1. Access in and around the premises with a push chair.

2. Do you feel welcome? Helpfulness of the staff.

3. Cleanliness of baby changing facilities and access.

4. High chairs

5. Coffee & Cakes!