Sisters Café is the new venue from, well, sisters Abby and Sarah. The two used to operate from a van for festivals, events and on Southsea Common before venturing into a permanent space; bringing with them their fresh, homemade, crowd-pleasing dishes and warm hospitality. I was lucky enough to be invited to a small evening event the night before their official opening in October and took @thebookishmindset along as my plus one and fellow food fan.
Covid precautions done and glass of fizz in hand we were led to a very cute table; candle, spotless cutlery, beautiful dried flower arrangement. Little touches are something I appreciate and I find places that take care of the details in the dining room carry them over to the food. We settled into the homely atmosphere and appreciated the rest of the décor which featured a rich blue paint (very seaside appropriate), white tiles and simple furniture that allowed the driftwood and plants to soften the edges alongside some personal items – a chocolate Labrador puppy on the wall who I now know is team member Winston.
An unexpected surprise was live music and I can’t tell you how good it was to hear someone play, he was brilliant and a friend of the family. Live music was such a great touch. The evening was relaxed and didn’t feel odd due to the necessary safety measures. The team were busy but attentive checking in, seeing if we wanted more drinks etc and seemed completely unflappable as they tackled so much on the night with success.
The evening went like clockwork, dishes pre-determined to give diners a taste. Being vegetarian and vegan we didn’t feel left out and were over the moon when the veggie chilli loaded fries turned up (having been eyeing up a meaty version on other tables) as well as the grilled halloumi, roasted pepper, rocket, and balsamic sandwich. Both delicious and the doorstop bread on the sandwich was incredibly soft. The chilli fries were perfectly spicy, not greasy, crispy and the guacamole was to die for. Everything tasted fresh and looked appetising as it came out. There were clear plates all round and my Espresso Martini was delicious and boozy, glad I wasn’t driving for a change.
The menu is short and sweet featuring breakfast, brunch, lunch, and a Sunday roast with ingredients sourced locally and family recipes on the line-up. @bookish went back the next day for breakfast and had a top looking veggie hash, whilst Southseafolk’s Lou tried the takeaway roast and had nothing but good things to tell me; “very tasty, fresh, great value plus a very tasty gravy.”
You’ll notice I put ‘takeaway roast’. No sooner had the sisters opened then they had to close due to Lockdown 2. Determined to continue, the ladies launched a paired down takeaway menu. Sisters Café is open Mon-Sat 9:30 – 3pm. Check their website or Instagram for takeaway details and to pre-order your roast (veggie option available). I’d recommend ordering ASAP; they sold out of roasts last week!
I think it takes a certain tenacity to open a hospitality business, let alone in a pandemic. Keep up the great work Sisters Cafe!
Feature Photo by Sisters cafe
Carousel Photos by The Southsea Wanderer
By Danny
