The Café into the Opera

A hidden gem in a beautiful location. The café has a great and constantly changing menu, unlike the more boring and noisy Salts Diner downstairs. We used to avoid the Café as it was definitely marketing itself as a fish restaurant, but started to visit more often on noticiing their other dishes and light bites. Wonderful Fish and Chips and Chicken Schnitzel. We also enjoy the olive with pesto bread combo. Lovely fresh cakes to finish and some great steamed puddings in the winter.
Above all, the winner is the ambience. Chinkling cups, hushed chatter, efficient and friendly waiting staff. The smell of the florists and, if you’re very lucky, a pianist tinkling the ivories. We noticed on average the Café is £5 more expensive for a meal, cakes and a few rounds of drinks than the diner downstairs. The superior atmosphere and service is more than worth the slightly hiked price.

Gorgeous little café on the top floor of the Salts Mill. You can get to it via the cronky ancient lift which will let you out in the middle of the permanent antiques and oddments display /​shop. Then it’s a walk through the dimly lit gallery of David Hockney’s operatic stage sets before you see the free-​standing bower of the Café into the Opera nestled by the ever-​unattended flower shop.
It’s usually quiet in the café, away from the bustle of the cafeteria on the floor below. Food is tasty, though slightly pricey for a café. But hey, you’re on the top floor of the beautiful Salts Mill, soaking in the mysterious regenerated air of the place.
One of my fave places to spend an hour or two with friends.
The only thing to beware is that you don’t go on Monday or Tuesday when the café is closed. And food orders are only taken between noon and 4pm on the other days.