Mike (Notts) wrote on 2 November 2009

The staff were lovley, just fanstastic service. The food seems quite average though, not actually bad, but I feel veggie food has come a long way over the last 20 years. This was pretty much the fare being served back in the 1980's. A bit "worthy". The tofu steak was just tasteless but the root mash that came with it was OK, but a bit watery. Red wine sauce was dissapointing. Salad was great but not really appropriate for a roast! The tofu could have been lovley if it was smoked or marinated in something. Very mean servings of tea. This annoys me. Teabags and water are not expensive.

Dodgy Reggae music drove us nuts. A bit of variety would be good in the music department. The place was cold, which didn't go down too well. The customers were a nice cross section of society, not a cliquey place and everyone was made to feel welcome.

My friends dishes though were superb, falafel and the sandwiches were divine. A fresh look at the menu is required and a bit of an update really. The staff are obviously capable of cooking good food.

6/10.

So a mixed bag really. Maybe an off day, but did enjoy my visit.

Lou (Lincoln) wrote on 7 September 2008

We discovered the Alley Cafe purely by chance after finding their flyer in another local shop... and frankly, it was a cracking find :-)

It has a great, laid back atmosphere, the staff are friendly and efficient, and the food was great too.

The menu is fairly extensive with plenty of Vegan dishes, and Vegan and wheat free options on numerous other dishes too.

I settled for the Alley Breakfast and wasn't disappointed! It was HUGE, and very enjoyable ! I can thoroughly recommend their milk-shakes as well !

Overall, my visit was great. The only thing that I think could be a problem here is the size. It is clearly a popular place, and isn't big !

Nick Thorne (Southampton) wrote on 22 January 2008

We ate at the Alley on saturday and found it a friendly and busy place with an excellent selection of meals.The service was very good and we enjoyed the chilled out atmosphere.
We can only add to the positive reviews and would recommend it to anybody.

Andrea Elson (Rugby) wrote on 2 August 2007

A bit tricky to find but well worth looking for. We had a great lunch, which was reasonably priced and a generous portion. There was a good choice and something to suit all tastes. The puddings (all vegan) were superb. Would definitely recommend the coffee and chocolate cake with ice cream. My daughter had a bowl of ice cream for pudding and it was huge! The three of us couldn't eat it all between us!! It gets busy - go early!!

Andy (Nottingham) wrote on 13 July 2007

I ate for the first time here a number of weeks ago now, but have not looked back. The first time I was here I had the Falafal, which was excellent. A good large portion which the person I was with could not eat. The second time I ate here I had the Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables. This again came in a fair sized portion that represented good value for money. Heading for the price, and all I can say is it is exceptional value for money. I have never once been disappointed. As for the place itself, the patrons are friendly and the staff are also of this nature. The beer is good and if you are new to Nottingham this is an excellent place to meet friendly people there for the atmosphere, the beer and the company of great food.

Marie (Nottingham) wrote on 29 October 2005

This place has really gone downhill, unfortunately. It is very smokey and has a rushed atmosphere, the portions are small, service can be very sloppy and slow, and the staff a bit rude and stressed-looking. My friend got cheese on his burger even though he made it clear he was vegan and they didn't seem at all concerned. It has the atmosphere of a trendy bar, and I certainly wouldn't advise going for a quiet meal there, though it's ok for somewhere to grab a sandwich or a quick drink.

Jess (Beeston) wrote on 30 November 2003

The best veggie/vegan restaurant ever (in my opinion!!) Amazing food at exceptionally reasonable prices (about £4.50 for a main course, £2.50 for a starter). Excellent for vegans - their vegan pizzas are gorgeous and they also serve soya ice-cream and vegan lassis. The cafe is fully licensed, so you can enjoy a pint of draught "Budvar" or a cocktail with your 'animal-free' dinner! The atmosphere is superb (what's wrong with trendy students??), very relaxed and sociable. Recommended dishes include the burrito, homemade tortilla chips and... generally... anything with their amazing melting vegan 'cheese'.

Glyn (Derby) wrote on 25 October 2000

This place is really difficult to find, so give them a ring for directions. The place is licensed, and simply does some of the best vegan meals, and vegan milk shakes, as well as veggie stuff. Also great vegan pizzas. Good prices, trendy/studenty type atmosphere, but you can't have everything.