by Cedric | Jan 6, 2018 | Food and Drink
“Ah, you’re the food blogger.” Even before my blog goes live, my reputation precedes me.
But trumpet blowing aside, it is true that I returned to the Saracen’s Head. I had to. And hopefully so too shall you, dear reader. This 16th Century pub makes the most accurate pizzeria in the Coventry area.
Wood fired stone oven, crispy crust and terrific toppings make for an old round stunning pizza. OF course the Saracen’s head also makes other food, for those not inclined towards pizza. But the subject of this review shall focus on this dish.
I took my flatmates here for a celebratory dinner. The subject which we celebrated was not decided upon. The joy of being alive and sentient, I suppose. The original 16th century wooden beams have been kept in pristine condition.
Being students, we were keen to make the most of the weekday 2 for 1 pizzas before 7pm deal. Now, The Saracen’s Head has a choice of eight pizzas and we ordered six. There were five of us so we would each get one pizza and 1/5 each. We also had to make special provisions because one of my flatmates is vegan and another doesn’t eat beef.
So, with no further ado, I can reveal that we ordered the following pizzas:
Marinated buffalo mozzarella, mozzarella,
semi-dried tomatoes, basil (v)
Salami pepperoni, peppadew peppers,
green chillies, mozzarella, jalapeños
Prosciutto ham, semi-dried tomatoes,
mozzarella, caramelised pineapple
Spicy chilli chicken, peppadew peppers,
mozzarella, goat’s cheese, red onion
Garlic chestnut mushrooms,
smoked mozzarella, red onion jam,
rocket (v)
Chorizo ibérico, salami pepperoni,
beef ragu, mozzarella, prosciutto ham
Each pizza was more delicious than the last. The dough was superbly fine and crunchy, as a thin crust should be. The tomato sauce was perfect. While I object fervently to the mozzarella being grated over the Margarita, as opposed to sliced, overall the pizzas did not disappoint.
At this point there is something I must say: the Garlic chestnut mushrooms,
smoked mozzarella and red onion jam pizza was a home run, to quote my Texan flatmate. Seriously one of the most delicious pizzas I have ever eaten, and I have eaten an abundance in my time. I have eaten pizzas from here to Tokyo, and not many compare to this particular one for originality of ingredients, quality of dough and taste factor. If you try anything at this restaurant, let it be that pizza.
Overall, my flatmates and I were thoroughly impressed by the genuine warmth and great character of this restaurant. One wouldn’t have thought that pizza greatness in this on this scale could be found in a far corner of Balsall Common. But there you have it.
We couldn’t not suggest Ye Olde Saracen’s Head!
by Cedric | Jan 6, 2018 | General, Goods and Services
Let’s talk about Chris Stacey.
Tucked in a narrow alleyway between two semi-detached houses on 35 Dane Rd, Coventry, you’ll find Stacey’s repairs.
Resurrecting my car from its sorry state was nothing short of a miracle. For the sake of my insurance company and likely-shaking mother, I’d like to make it clear I was not in an accident.
The fact of the matter is, I cannot park to save my life. With my previous job, I drove on average over 1000 miles per month, visiting dozens of department stores and high streets. Needless to say, parking was a nightmare. Some car parks are more manageable than others.
Being without a car is possibly one of the most trying experiences of my time on earth. Having to cycle to my various appointments was a prime example of first world problems. In reality it wasn’t so trying at all.
Chris Stacey is an exceptional mechanic. In the space of a week, he managed to remove any trace of my incapacity to park. The photograph does not show that the other side of the car was similarly scratched and that there was a dent in the rear bumper from Warwick University’s Car Park 8. I’d managed to back it into a yellow pillar of all things. You’d have thought I’d have seen it.
The above picture is of Chris’ new garage space. It should be finished imminently and promises to boost Chris’ productivity and output.
An astute and highly efficient mechanic, Chris Stacey promised to make my car seem as though it were brand new. And he did so wonderfully. Even when I bought it, the car did not look as good. His price is fair and reflective of the high standard of his work.
Stacey’s service is incomparable to many mechanics which have previously worked on my car. Yes, mother, I’m afraid there have been a few appointments to the body shop I didn’t tell you about. Chris exceeded his promise to drive me from the garage to my home. He also drove me to a bakery and a Polish Delicatessen in order to pick up some bread and smoked ham.
The ensuing slow cooked lentil soup was a terrific success.
Chris kept me up to date with developments to my car and came to pick me up when it was ready.
Not a scratch! I am grateful to Chris for his professionalism and superb workmanship.
I could not recommend him highly enough. Strikingly new looking and fully valeted. Gold standard service.
http://www.192.com/atoz/business/coventry-cv2/car-body-repairers/staceys/032f06fd23455cadd6fc216c02209d21b878c3a0/ml/
by Cedric | Jan 5, 2018 | Food and Drink
From the ruins of Coventry Cathedral rises what can only be described as an oasis in the desert.
This quaint post-war themed cafe restaurant run by Betel, a UK charity, left me with a wide grin on my face which hasn’t gone away in the entire two hours I’ve spent here.
Allow me to set the scene. I am the first customer of the day. I arrive ten minutes before opening to get some good pictures. I had the right idea because not a quarter hour after my arrival, the place was packed. Joyful customers came in droves to experience this unique cafe.
Shelves made from old suitcases; war memorabilia strewn on every visible surface; old advertisements framed on the walls. Lining the dining area are several beautifully maintained Chesterfield leather chairs. The chairs in the central eating area are upholstered with pink and white polka dot fabric, adding to the positive feel of the cafe.
I am welcomed by an eight-year-old boy “chiselling” away at the oak bar top with a screwdriver. As soon as his eyes alight on me, he asks if I’d like a menu. It became clear to me that this must have been the manager’s son on his Christmas holidays, coming to help his mother out. I must say, he makes a top grade waiter. He greeted other customers and handed them menus as they walked in. It was extraordinary.
One doesn’t often see such enterprising young men. Nor does one often see such professionalism from volunteers. Rising Cafe is run entirely by volunteers. One of the waitresses explained to me that they had all come from “broken paths” and found salvation through Christ and the Church. We are often quick to dismiss the faithful in modern times but this is a mistake, to my mind. One of my flatmates is an ardent follower of Christ, as were about half of the population of Tanzania when I volunteered there last summer. I’ve not since seen such contented and fulfilled people.
To see the positive change that moderate Christianity brings people inspires me with hope. Dara O’Brien once joked that one could not leave the Catholic faith. One could join ISIS and still be Catholic, one would simply be a bad Catholic.
A feeling of family and togetherness resonates in this cafe. Upon entering one feels at once included. I drank an excellent double espresso before ordering my breakfast, pictured below.
“The Cornerstone of any nutritious breakfast”
That’s right, I ate an enormous hamburger for breakfast. The Original Burger, to be exact. Described as “A classic burger recipe that originates from before the war, using steamed onions and mustard powder.” My friends, it was superb.
I also sampled the confusingly named “hand pie”; a puff pastry topped with (on this occasion) with pulled pork and chorizo with cheddar. That too was a tasty treat.
All round, this cafe ticked all the boxes. The staff are friendly; the location is perfect; the food is excellent and the message is positive.
I would advise you to reserve beforehand, however.
Coventry
by Cedric | Jan 2, 2018 | Goods and Services
“Yes indeed sir, a hair cut is a hair enhanced”
There are many hidden gems in Coventry. To my mind, people often laud Leamington Spa over Coventry but this is an error. The White Room is one such gem. Tucked away at 9 Hay Ln (CV1 5RF), they offer a premium service in a premium location.
Hay Lane is one of the most gorgeous streets in the city, ranking amongst my other two favourites: Spon Street and Trinity Street. It seems to have lost none of its pre-war charm. While the White Room is not one of the rare shops which have kept their original wooden beams in the ceiling, the decor is fantastic. Dozens of hanging lights scattered about; wonderful oak floors and a striking graffiti artwork on their feature wall by Phil “Philth” Drake.
Interestingly perhaps, Philth is also responsible for several of the paintings on the wall of The White Room.
Upon entering, one is greeted by a friendly smile and directed to the nearest ornate Chesterfield fainting couch, pictured below. a cup of tea or coffee follows in quick succession. I would suggest putting a tissue or some sort of mug cover over it if you plan on consuming it during your sheering. Nobody on this earth takes their coffee with hair. Well perhaps Ned Flanders.
There are a range of hairdressers to choose from, each with their own amount of experience, priced accordingly. I’ve never been disappointing by a haircut here as of yet, which is an achievement as I’m quite meticulous about my hair cuts.
The best part of this fine salon is that on Mondays and Tuesdays students get their hair cut 50% off. It pains me to think students at my university go to the Warwick University hairdressers, which have disappointed me each and every time I’ve been, whereas this hair utopia is a mere 3 miles away.
In summation, I suggest this salon for three reasons: excellent service; masterfully skilled hairdressers and rare glamour in the heart of Coventry.
The White Room Hair Salon Coventry
by Cedric | Jan 2, 2018 | Fitness
I think of all the suggestions I’ve made during my time at Warwick University, none have been repeated so many times as Excel Leisure Centre in Coventry.
I’ve spent countless hours here in the pursuit of the perfect body. I am grieved to report that I’ve yet to attain an Adonis like figure. My gym partner tells me my abs are coming. “They’re on the way, Cedric” he claims. Lies. 
Each morning at 6am, I make my way to Xcel as I have done for three out of the four years I have been at this university. Above is a photograph of the stunning sunrise I see each day.
One signs in, greeting the friendly but overworked and underpaid staff. I put my things in a locker, usually locker 69 but I’m finding it increasingly less available. Perhaps the other patrons have as infantile a sense of humour as I do.
After a workout, one can mosey down to the swimming pool and do a few lengths. I aim for 40 but rarely achieve more than 38. Then, methodically on may visit the jaccuzzi; steam room and sauna before showering.
Now, my favourite part of this whole morning routine follows the inevitable shower. Breakfast. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, breakfast is included in your membership at Xcel.
Extreme relaxation does not look as good as it feels, apparently! Here I sat with the AquaBabes(TM) who frequent this gym daily at ungodly hours. I admire their resilience to all weather conditions. They are here without fail each day swimming and gossiping. Sometimes they even manage to do both at once. Not at the breakfast table, thankfully.
When one leaves at 9am, they feel refreshed and ready to take on a new day. This oasis is a stone’s throw from Warwick University. It confounds me greatly why it is not more known.
All of what I have described to you starts from the lofty price of £20 a month. And you get a free month if you sign up one of your friends. So go for it! Their January offer includes not having to pay anything until February. Memberships are a minimum of six months. As with all things, I would suggest you do not start if you do not mean to go on.
http://covsf.com/csf/centres/xlc
