Not sad news, just a sadly wasted opportunity. I gave Verdict three chances: the word was out that it was going to be an artisan bakery so, early one morning (and shortly after they opened), I went to buy some artisan bread. I was met with shrugs and uncomprehending stares. No bread for sale. It wasn’t a bakery after all. I left, breadless. Some time later, whilst out shopping, I bought a cup of take-away coffee from them. Undrinkable, and immediately ditched. Finally, we went for weekend brunch. After abysmal eggs Benedict, I asked for some toast and marmalade, a request met with the familiar uncomprehending stares. Eventually, eight slices of toast appeared (they clearly had bread that day, but ‘artisan’ it wasn’t), accompanied by two minuscule foil-wrapped pats of butter. Marmalade was an unknown quantity (we were treated to the ‘house special’ shrugs), but ramekins containing rose-hip syrup and blueberry syrup were grudgingly provided. Paid the bill and ever set foot in there again.
Tracie Dudley Craig ● 824d