Olivia’s looked like a classy joint as I sat at the lights. Several refreshment options had possibilities amongst the strip of shops on this reach of the Crow Road, but as I strive to be a classy act myself I thought I would start with Olivia’s. I parked free nearby on Victoria Park Gardens and sauntered back.
Olivia’s is a hybrid café, gelateria and bakery where even a dusty knight-of-the-road such as I was warmly welcomed by the staff. ‘Do you want your cinnamon bun warmed up?’ I was asked. Now that’s service. Said bun was pretty good. The coffee is fine, a little bit of a standard trade blend. Forensic analysis suggesting a Matthew Algie brew perhaps, but at seven quid for the pair I had no complaints. The relaxed clientele were a range of chic, lounging Hyndlanders.
The café interior impresses straight away with its deco-styling theme and myriad well considered touches. A real design effort has made the most of the original features, space and high ceiling and gives Olivia’s a coherent, pleasing interior. One can admire the stylish marble-topped tables, check parquet flooring, B&W chairs, floral bench seats, deco-replica holders, tassled light fittings, gold deco screens and table wear. There is sympathetic 20s style art on the walls. I’m struggling not to say the café is beautifully curated. Too late. Olivia’s is a great space to linger in.
They even have a classy toilet. But I won’t linger on that.
Olivia’s is also not a pretentious café, just a relaxing one. There are board games and books to read, arched windows to stare out of, design flourishes to appreciate and no hurry at all. Punters amongst the standard-issue civilised Hyndlanders included people reading actual books and a couple of independent P6 girls having milkshakes. They move on to pet a tiny Frenchie who has having tea with its human.
Olivia’s is an extremely well-designed café and a pleasure to be in. The only thing not totally top-notch is the coffee. Everything else is extremely pleasing.
Olivia’s is a classy joint and happiness is a warm Bun. Yes it is. Happiness is a warm bun.
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