Visit Derry: The Cottage Craft Gallery & Coffee Shop -

With us having such an action packed schedule during our stay in Derry, keeping us and the kids fully re-fuelled was a must and we had heard amazing things about one of Derry’s must-visit eateries, The Cottage Craft Gallery & Coffee Shop. Tucked away on a quiet square, The Cottage boasts a picturesque thatched roof, an array of products and artwork from local crafters, and some of the best home-baked goodies in the whole of Derry.

Inside you’ll find various seating from dining tables and chairs to comfy couches and although you can pop in for a coffee and cake, if you’re wanting a sit down lunch it’s definitely worth booking ahead. It’s clearly a very popular spot with both locals and tourists and it was lovely to see the different groups of people enjoying a working lunch, a catch up with friends or just indulging in a fresh scone to break up the day.

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The service at The Cottage was wonderful and we were greeted by the friendliest staff who were so patient with the children as they deliberated their orders. When we asked for some slight alterations to the dishes they obliged without question and I honestly think if they had the ingredients they would make whatever it was that you wanted, even if you can’t find it on the menu.

The children chose ham and cheese toasties which is such a simple choice and yet somehow they seemed better than any we have ever made at home. Whether we were hungry from all of our adventures or whether there is something extra special in the way that they make them, the children wolfed them down in record time and declared them their favourite toasties of all time.

Eva was a little more adventurous and went for the all day breakfast pancake which had layers of bacon, sausage, egg and cheese served with a side of beans and a fresh salad. There are all kinds of savoury and sweet pancake options on the menu and I have to admit to having food envy when Eva’s was placed down in front of her. It was absolutely delicious and she completely devoured it!

Pancake regret aside, I went for the chicken pesto toastie and it was just the tastiest, heartiest lunch which is exactly what you want on a cold, blustery day. The dressing on the side salad was hands down one of the best we have ever had and I ate both Harry and Megan’s on top of my own because it was too good to waste!

As amazing as our lunch was, it was the home baked cakes, biscuits and scones which the children were the most excited about and choosing which one to have was a major decision! From chocolate cakes to Victoria Sponge, flapjack to Rocky Road, cheese scones to Rice Krispie squares, the choice was huge and each one looked equally delicious! In recent years The Cottage was actually voted as having the best scones in the whole or Northern Ireland which is extremely high praise and a worthy title. As well as eating in The Cottage offers take away too which would be my first port of call on any given day should we live closer.

I love quirky coffee shops like The Cottage, the places which make you feel instantly welcome and are cosy and warm, the kind of place where you can just go and switch off, eat proper hearty comfort food, where you leave feeling completely satisfied with a big smile on your face. It was one of our favourite hidden gems here in Derry and if you’re planning a visit I recommend popping in for a savoury pancake, some of that amazing balsamic drizzle and the biggest slab of chocolate cake and cream.