THE site of Cafe de Ryde is a curious one.
Originally constructed with pleasant views over the lido to the boating lake beyond, a palisade was erected to give the swimmers some privacy, leaving the cafe without its lakeside view.
That said, it's got an enviable position in many ways — right next to the beach and adjacent to the Waterside Pool, one of Ryde's year-round attractions.
The Cafe de Ryde opened after a major refurbishment, which has been an impressive success.
Gone are the intrusive windbreaks and piles of arbitrary clutter that characterised the site previously, helping make Cafe de Ryde a bright, clean and welcoming space, with an open area at the front so kids can play safely, whilst grown-ups enjoy a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
We dropped by for breakfast and were pleased to see there were two options — standard and 'loaded'.
We could also have chosen from sandwiches, fish and chips, burgers and many other cafe standards, but the breakfasts sounded perfect, so we had one of each option.
Drinks were extra. When the tea arrived, it was a cup of boiled water with the bag in it, and milk on the side in a cute little steel churn. We really would have preferred a pot, but this sufficed.
The standard and loaded breakfasts were similar in scope, with the addition on the larger dish of an extra sausage, a rasher of bacon and a very well-cooked hash brown.
Matt had asked for his meal with no beans, as is his habit, but no alternative was offered.
Both plates had a round of buttered toast and a single fried egg.
Most disappointing were the tomatoes — a meagre spoonful of mushed-up tinned toms, that was only just enough to moisten the toast.
On the other hand, the sausages were better than expected — big, herby bangers that were ideal for dipping in the nicely-runny egg.
The management at Cafe de Ryde has done a great job on the venue and, the food is serviceable beachside 'caff' fare.
True, one could get a better all-day breakfast for less, a few minutes walk away in the Happy Chef at Monkton Village.
However, its pleasant location and good outdoor space makes Cafe de Ryde worth a visit.
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