Arnaud Kaziewicz former Masterchef The Professionals finalist has brought a brand new idea to the growing foodie area that is Southbourne. His cafe/ bar Loaf + Coal opened on 28th May, I went along to see the chef led quick service restaurant in action.
French born Arnaud has worked in Michelin starred restaurants, as the business development chef for Waitrose and most recently head of food for the High street chain EAT.
With that kind of experience behind him I knew the food we were about to eat was going to be good.
One of the first things I noticed was the staff wearing printed t-shirts 'SOURCED WITH CARE SERVED WITH flair' - that says it all really, Arnaud is passionate about sourcing the correct ingredients for his brand. Only the freshest ingredients will be used sourcing from local artisans were ever possible, you can expect freshly baked bread, grass fed local beef and golden yellow free range eggs.
The coffee is sourced direct from the farmers in El Salvador to ensure they get a fare price. These premium coffee beans produce a buttery brew and although I don't profess to be a coffee expert I can confirm I enjoyed a really lovely cup of coffee.
The menus relate directly to the concept behind the venue (Loaf & Coal) most of the food you can order will either involve bread or have been cooked over coals. It's a stylish café with drool worthy food artwork on the bare brick walls, a drinks serving area and views into the working kitchen. It feels clean and well organised.
Great to see a couple of our local gins on the shelf if you fancy a drink to accompany your meal. Shout out to Conker Gin, Pothecary Gin and BH1
We arrived at the cafe just 15 minutes before the lunchtime service - that was our first dilemma, eat off of the breakfast menu or hold off and just order lunch. The breakfast menu consists of toasties/on toast breakfast favourites and variety of porridge and yoghurt based dishes.
Sometimes though nothing but a delicious bacon roll will do and this was one of the tastiest I have ever had.
My other half ordered a similar plate of food but with sausages and ate it so quickly there was no time for photos. The lunch menu pictured below offers a different array of toasties/sandwiches all using the same quality produce.
We are looking forward to going back to try the dinner offering at Loaf + Coal in the evening they serve Creedy Carver chicken, grass aged onglet steak, 30 day dried ribeye and sirloin steaks, I already know it is going to be a tricky decision.
Breakfast service
Tue - Sun 9am - 11.30am
Lunch service
Tue - Sun 12am - 3pm
Evening service is available
Wednesday - Sunday 6pm - 10.30pm.
I highly recommend popping in to Loaf + Coal
12 Southbourne Grove, Southbourne
BH63QZ