It’s a standard weekend morning scenario. One which is played out across the globe. Fuzzy headed and bleary eyed, I wake from my slumber. The fragrant remnants of last night’s alcohol and curry still “fresh” in my mouth. The one thing on my mind is the longing for another helping of grease to take the edge off the empty stomach cramps. A full English is in order but as there are 6 of us in the house and only 6 bacon rashers we are forced to enter the outside world (also known as Wakefield) and hunt for a greasy spoon. A full English complete with black pudding, fried bread and mug of builder’s tea is the only gastronomic concoction which will keep the threatening hangover at arms length. None of this cosmopolitan panini, mocha, latte, frappuccino, for us. No Siree.
You’d assume finding a greasy spoon would be an easy task but alas no. Wakefield, it seems, is devoid of a traditional good old British cafe. Yes, there’s Neptune Diner but it’s a tad too clean to be classed as a greasy spoon and anyway that wasn’t open. Aside from this, the rest the Merrie city has to offer are the old high street stalwarts; Marks and Spencer, McDonalds, Costa, Cafe Nero etc etc. All the independents are seemingly going continental and offering al-fresco dining in such luxurious locations as the newly refurbished Grey Bull Ring and next to the sick puddle outside the Sony Centre. The only other choice was Sainsbury’s which was hardly a short walk so back in the cars it was.
It was shut… Brilliant. It didn’t open until 10am. Quality. By now the troops were getting restless. Just how hard it is to obtain a decent breakfast? After much soul searching its either the world famous Red Beck or Kingsway Cafe in Ossett. Both of which are ten minute car rides away. The Kingway got the vote and at £4.50 for a large breakfast consisting of two bacon, two Eggs, two sausages, tomatoes, black Pudding, two slices of toast, beans, mushrooms and a mug of tea (with a free 2nd refill!) it did the trick, moods were lifted and all was good in world once more. Kudos to them.
It seems that in Wakefield’s drive to become mini Leeds and go all continental on us they’ve left behind a british classic. The good old greasy spoon. Shame.