Made By Jonty is a brick-fronted lunch spot that sits quite unassumingly amongst the frontages of other independent cafes, restaurants and shops of Sharrow Vale Road.
Inside, the exposed kitchen, winding staircase and attic-style seating area with big windows enhances the feeling that – as the name suggests – you’re being catered for in someone’s home (Jonty is the name of the highly experienced chef/owner who opened the cafe in 2010). Wooden dining tables, multiple levels and beams complement the not-too-neat, personal, homely feel. As do the staff, who are really, noticeably, friendly.
When it comes to the menu, the emphasis is very much on doing favourites well. For brunch (which is served all day) there is of course the usual eggs benedict, waffles, granola and toast. But there’s also the slightly rarer offerings of breakfast burrito and kippers on toast. As far as lunch is concerned, more substantial meals feature on the specials board and range from interesting soups and colourful salads to pork belly sandwiches and a corned beef hash.
The focus is, of course, on the food but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying a quick coffee and cake in the table-service cafe. In fact, the cakes alone should draw in anyone with a sweet tooth; the selection changes daily but you can always expect a decent-sized slice of something fruity, squidgy or sticky. And the coffee doesn’t seem to be an after-thought – it’s much better than most served in non-specialist places.
It may not have the air of 'cool' of some of the city centre's cafes, but what Made by Jonty really has going for it is a strong and varied menu and a sense that they really care about what is being served. All of which means it's well worth the wait when it gets busy at weekends.
- Words by
- Lucy Holt
- Images by
- Gemma Thorpe
